One major reason why Apple has not gravitated to OLED technology for its MacBook Pro lineup is that no production facility exists that can produce the panels required by the company. Fortunately, a new report states that Samsung, who has long provided Apple with display panels for a variety of products, is said to invest a mammoth amount to mass produce such displays.
Display analyst claims a ton of technical risk is involved in making OLED MacBook Pro screens, which could be why these specific models will arrive late
Samsung Display, which is one of the Korean giant’s panel manufacturing divisions, is said to invest around 4.1 trillion won, or $3.14 billion USD, until 2026 in Asan, South Korea, to mass produce advanced OLED technology. Reuters states that the new displays will be used in tablets and computers, implying that Apple should order these units for future iPad and MacBook models.
Display Supply Chain Consultants founder and CEO Ross Young says in his tweet that the new facility will be made for the new 14-inch and 16-inch OLED MacBook Pro models. Given that Young does not mention a different display size for the upcoming portable Macs, it is possible that Apple employs the same design sporting a notch at the top center, but perhaps the company will add Face ID into the overall mix.
However, Young also mentions that a lot of technical risk is involved in mass manufacturing OLED MacBook Pro panels, so Samsung could incorporate some techniques to lower production costs. To remind you, the Korean giant reportedly refused to make two-stack tandem OLED units for future Apple products as it was a costly venture, and the profits generated did not outweigh the risk involved.
The two companies later came to an agreement, likely because Apple may have given Samsung a large initial order with the promise of giving more business to its supplier in the foreseeable future. These same two-stack tandem OLED panels could be used for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, but it can also mean Apple may charge consumers more as making these displays is an expensive ordeal. For those that want to get an OLED MacBook, there is good news for you.
Apple is said to be working on a 13.4-inch MacBook Air for next year, and while it will likely miss out on ‘Pro’ features like ProMotion, the machine should deliver a taste of what is to come in the future.
News Source: Reuters
