Apple, the tech giant known for its innovative products, is reportedly planning a significant upgrade to its MacBook Pro lineup.
Speculation mounts over reported MacBook Pro OLED release date
According to a recent investor note from analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong Intl Tech Research, first seen by 9to5Mac, Apple aims to equip its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with OLED screens in 2026.
This move to OLED technology marks a notable shift from the current mini-LED displays, branded as Liquid Retina XDR, used in MacBook Pros.
The transition to OLED displays is a response to the growing demand for higher-quality screens in premium devices.
OLED, or Organic Light-Emitting Diode technology, is celebrated for its superior contrast ratio, as each pixel emits its own light. This allows for true blacks when pixels are turned off, enhancing the overall viewing experience with improved viewing angles.
Additionally, OLED panels are thinner and more flexible than mini-LEDs, paving the way for sleeker device designs.
Despite their advantages, OLED screens have a known drawback: susceptibility to screen burn-in. This issue arises when a static image remains on the display for extended periods, leaving a persistent ghost image on the screen.
However, this has not deterred Apple from adopting OLED technology, evidenced by its use in iPhones since the iPhone X.
Interestingly, Apple is also working on an OLED version of the MacBook Air, but the MacBook Pro is expected to be the first to receive this screen technology upgrade.
This strategic decision aligns with Apple’s pattern of introducing cutting-edge features in its Pro models before rolling them out to other product lines.
In parallel, Apple is set to release its first OLED-equipped iPads, starting with the iPad Pro, sometime next year. Analyst Jeff Pu has projected OLED iPad Pro shipments of 10 million units for 2024, indicating a significant investment in OLED technology across Apple’s product range.