Apple is reportedly looking to use OLED displays in some of its future MacBooks and iPads. However, the OLED devices will not launch before 2024.
Apple is reportedly looking to switch some of its MacBooks and iPads to OLED by 2024. Apple currently uses OLED displays for its iPhone lineup, while most MacBooks and iPads still ship with LCD panels. However, some of the devices in its current portfolio, like the 12.9-inch iPad and the 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, come with mini-LED screens. Apple is also expected to launch an iMac Pro and a standalone monitor with mini-LED panels, but both have seemingly been delayed indefinitely. They were originally expected to launch this year, but are yet to see the light of day.
OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diode, is currently the pre-eminent display technology used in almost all high-end smartphones. It offers many benefits over TFT LCD, and has even found its way to mid-range devices in recent years. OLEDs are a self-emitting light source and do not need backlighting to display an image. This means OLED panels are typically thinner and more energy-efficient than LCDs. They also offer better viewing angles, higher brightness and contrast levels, and fast response time. However, it’s inordinately costly to produce large OLED displays, which is why OLED TVs are still relatively rare.
In a subscriber-only tweet, Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) CEO and well-known tipster Ross Young claimed that Apple is looking to use OLED displays in some of its MacBooks and iPads to be launched in 2024. According to the tweet, the next-gen 13.3-inch MacBook, 12.9-inch iPad and 11-inch iPad are the three designated models that are expected to get the OLED makeover in 2024. While the current-gen 11-inch iPad Pro and the 13.6-inch MacBook Air both use LCD panels, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro uses a mini-LED screen. The report further suggests that Microsoft could also launch an OLED Surface Pro in 2024.
Apple’s OLED MacBook And iPads
Ross’ tweet seemingly confirms an earlier report that claimed Apple is planning to launch 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad models with OLED displays by 2024. The report also claimed that Apple is working on a MacBook with a folding display that will be 20.25 inches when unfolded and 15.3 inches when folded. The device, however, may not be available for purchase any time soon, with the report claiming that it may only launch in 2027.
Apple is also said to be working on a massive 16-inch iPad that is rumored to be launched next year under the iPad Pro branding. The device, however, is said to be currently under the planning stage and there are no details about its possible tech specs for now. The 12.9-inch model is currently Apple’s largest iPad, so if the rumored 16-inch model ever sees the light of day, it would comfortably be the largest iPad in Apple’s portfolio. Either way, 2024 promises to be the year when the transition to OLED begins in earnest, at least for Apple and Microsoft.
Source: Ross Young/Twitter
