A new supply chain report claims that Apple is continuing to plan OLED screens for the MacBook Pro in 2026, but has further delayed an OLED MacBook Air.
Backing up recent rumors that an OLED MacBook Air will not be released until 2028 at the earliest, a new report says it will now be 2029. Unsurprisingly, the report claims that the higher-cost MacBook Pro will be first to get this improved display, but it too backs up rumors of a 2026 release for this model.
According to The Elec, Samsung Display is adding a second depositor, the production line equipment needed for OLED screens. The existing first depositor is believed to be dedicated to producing OLED screens for the MacBook Pro, while Samsung Display looks for other customers for this second line.
It’s implied that Samsung Display may have expected to need a second depositor to meet demand from Apple for an OLED MacBook Air. Samsung Display’s total OLED capacity using the two depositors is believed to be 10 million units annually, but Apple is expected to ship only between 3 million and 5 million MacBook Pro models.
While Apple has reportedly pushed back an OLED MacBook Air to 2029, the same report claims that this device will see a screen update in 2027. Specifically, the MacBook Air will move to an improved LCD panel using Oxide TFT technology.
It’s claimed that this technology offers sharper images than the current anopholytic silicone (a-Si) TFT technology. It’s said that this move will bring faster performance in scrolling, and also improve power efficiency.
Samsung Display and BOE are both constructing production lines for the New MacBook Air screens. Separately, BOE is said to be making flexible smartphone OLED screens, specifically because of the change to the MacBook Air order.
It’s previously been reported that one reason for Apple delaying the OLED MacBook Air is the cost of production. However, it’s also believed that the OLED iPad Pro failed to prompt the strong upgrade cycle that Apple had expected.
Apple may also be looking to create more daylight between the lower-cost MacBook Air and the more expensive MacBook Pro. When it launched the OLED iPad Pro, Apple brought a larger screen to the iPad Air, which may have cannibalized sales of the more costly model.
Note that The Elec is generally a decent source of supply chain information. It tends to be less accurate in its conclusions about Apple’s plans based on that information, however.
