Apple was initially expected to announce the redesigned iPad Pro models with OLED display this year. However, the company saw fit to launch the new M3 MacBook Pro models and instead left the iPad Pro announcements for another day. It is now speculated that Apple will launch the OLED iPad Pro models with M3 chips in the first half of next year. A report has now shared details on when we can expect Apple to release OLED iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models.
OLED MacBook Pro models are slated to arrive in 2027, but OLED iPad Pro models are only a few months away
Apple gradually switched from an LCD to a mini-LED on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. While mini-LED is superior to LCD in color reproduction and higher brightness levels, it is still inferior to OLED panels in various ways. For one, OLED panels consume less power, ultimately allowing a MacBook or an iPad to boast better battery life. Additionally, OLED panels deliver deeper blacks, a higher contrast ratio, and enhanced saturation.
According to a report from Omdia, hidden behind a paywall, Apple will launch the 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch MacBook Pro models with an OLED display in 2027. The display technology will trickle down to the MacBook Air lineup in 2028 for 13.6-inch and 15.2-inch variants. Both size variants of the MacBook Pro currently feature a mini-LED display with 120Hz ProMotion technology. The MacBook Air models have an LCD with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It remains to be seen if the company will offer ProMotion with future versions of the MacBook Air.
Besides MacBooks, the OLED adoption roadmap shows the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini. We have previously reported that Apple plans to upgrade the iPad Pro models with an OLED display next year. The roadmap corroborates past reports, suggesting the device will feature a Hybrid OLED display - the 12.9-inch model will transition from mini-LED while the 11-inch model will switch from an LCD. The changes are listed to take place in 2024.
The OLED adoption roadmap also highlights the iPad Air and iPad mini receiving the Hybrid OLED treatment in 2026. Until 2026, the iPad Air and iPad mini will continue to feature LCDs. It was previously rumored that the company is working on a bigger 13-inch model of the iPad Air. However, the device did not appear in Omdia's roadmap for Apple devices adopting OLED panels.
The iPad OLED roadmap shows a bigger 20.3-inch model of the iPad Pro, which will feature a foldable OLED display. The mysterious model is expected to launch in 2026. Apple could be working on a foldable version of the iPad Pro, but we have not heard details on the device. Apple is also working on its in-house micro-LED display technology, which will be introduced with the Apple Watch Ultra. However, it will take years before the technology will be available for the iPhone and iPad.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
