Apple is finally getting ready to introduce OLED displays in a wider range of its products. However, don't expect a broad-based debut soon, especially given the Cupertino giant's tendency to move at a glacial pace when introducing new technology.
Apple is gearing up to introduce OLED displays in the future versions of the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad mini, with water resistance added for good measure
Bloomberg's legendary tipster, Mark Gurman, is out with another scoop today, focusing on a much-anticipated display overhaul for the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad mini, all of which are now slated to get OLED displays.
According to Gurman, Apple will stick with the Retina display tech for its upcoming MacBook Pro models that would leverage M5 Pro and M5 Max SoCs, planning a display redesign with the M6 Pro and M6 Max versions of the MacBook Pro, which are currently expected to debut in 2027.
Consequently, an OLED MacBook Air can only be expected to debut by 2028, at the earliest. This appears to be a reasonable timeline, especially as Apple has yet to update the MacBook Air with its latest M5 chip.
Additionally, Apple is expected to debut a new version of the iPad mini in the spring of 2026, possibly featuring an OLED display. The OLED version will also see a $100 price increase, with the new iPad mini expected to start at $599. For context, the current-gen iPad Air starts at the same price.
To summarize, the iPad mini will be the first to get an OLED screen in the spring of 2026, followed by the MacBook Pro in late 2026 or early 2027, and then the iPad Air. The MacBook Air is only expected to get an OLED screen in 2028.
Meanwhile, Gurman noted in a related X post that Apple is also working on redesigning the casing for the iPad mini, eyeing iPhone-like water resistance for the budget tablet. We can presume that this largesse would extend to other iPad versions as well. Currently, only the iPhones and the Apple Watch are rated for IP water resistance.
Specifically, Apple is testing vibration-related tech for its new speaker system. Once refined, the technology's introduction would pave the way for a formal IP water resistance in various iPad models. Do note that the iPhones retain speaker voids, but those voids are bolstered with gaskets and adhesives to achieve the designated IP water resistance.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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