This phased roll-out of OLED displays is expected to span the next three years, as outlined by analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International Technology Research.
Jeff Pu’s investor memo, as reported by MacRumors, details Apple’s roadmap for introducing OLED screens to its flagship devices. The plan commences with the anticipated launch of the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models in 2024, each outfitted with OLED displays. Apple’s ambition for these new iPad Pros includes a sales target of 10 million units within the first year of release.
Following the iPad Pro’s OLED debut, the spotlight will shift to the MacBook lineup. According to Pu’s analysis, which aligns with predictions by Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants, 2026 will witness the update of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with OLED screens. This move represents a significant transition from the current LCD-based mini-LED screens used in the existing MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models.
The OLED technology promises several enhancements over the current display systems, including heightened brightness, a higher contrast ratio with deeper blacks, and greater power efficiency, potentially leading to extended battery life.
Furthermore, Pu mentions ongoing development efforts for an OLED screen for the MacBook Air. However, it is anticipated that the OLED MacBook Pro models will hit the market before their MacBook Air counterparts.
This is in line with reports suggesting that Samsung Display is actively working on a 13.3-inch OLED panel for a future MacBook Air model, indicative of Apple’s broader strategy to transition multiple product lines to OLED technology.