Apple’s long-awaited transition to OLED displays in its MacBook lineup is finally taking shape, with the MacBook Pro expected to make the switch in 2026.
A new report from The Elec confirms that Samsung Display has begun working on OLED panel samples for Apple, with mass production set to begin next year. This shift will mark a major upgrade from the current mini-LED technology, offering deeper blacks, improved contrast, and greater power efficiency thanks to self-emissive pixels.
Alongside the new display, the MacBook Pro is expected to undergo a significant design refresh, potentially featuring slimmer bezels, a lighter build, and a punch-hole camera replacing the notch. Apple is likely to use advanced two-stack tandem OLED panels for these models, which offer increased brightness and longer lifespan compared to standard single-stack OLEDs.
While the MacBook Pro is moving ahead, the MacBook Air’s transition to OLED appears to be facing delays. Previous reports suggested a 2027 or 2028 launch, but The Elec now indicates that Apple has pushed the timeline further—possibly beyond 2029. When it does arrive, the MacBook Air is expected to use a single-stack OLED panel, which is less advanced but more cost-efficient.
Apple’s cautious approach follows its pattern of optimizing new display technology before adoption. The move to OLED not only keeps pace with competitors already offering OLED laptops but could also be a stepping stone toward Apple’s long-term ambition of introducing microLED displays. With Samsung ramping up production, the OLED MacBook Pro is on track for 2026.
