Apple is reportedly preparing to switch from mini-LED to OLED displays for its iPad and MacBook models by 2024. The tech giant, which has been using mini-LED screens for some of its devices since this year, is expected to partner with Samsung for the production of advanced OLED panels that will offer better display quality and power efficiency.
OLED (organic light-emitting diode) is a display technology that uses self-luminous pixels that can turn on and off individually. This allows for deeper blacks, higher contrast, wider viewing angles, and faster response times than LCD (liquid crystal display) or mini-LED (light-emitting diode) screens, which rely on backlighting.
Mini-LED is a variant of LCD that uses thousands of tiny LEDs to provide more uniform and precise backlighting. This improves the brightness, contrast, and color accuracy of LCD screens, but still falls short of OLED in terms of display performance and energy consumption.
Apple has been using mini-LED screens for its 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models since 2022, while the rest of its iPad and MacBook lineup still uses LCD screens. However, according to various sources, Apple is planning to phase out mini-LED and LCD screens in favor of OLED screens in the next few years.
Samsung to supply OLED panels for Apple
Samsung, the world’s largest OLED panel maker, is said to be the main supplier of OLED screens for Apple’s future iPad and MacBook models. According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Samsung has begun the development of two-stack tandem OLED panels that will be used for some iPad models in 2024. These panels will have two layers of organic materials that will enhance the brightness and durability of OLED screens.
Samsung is also reportedly working on a very thin cover glass that will be used for Apple’s foldable devices, which are expected to launch in 2025. Apple has been rumored to be developing a foldable iPhone model for years, and a recent patent application suggests that it could have a 20-inch foldable display.
In addition to Samsung, LG is also expected to provide OLED panels for Apple’s devices. According to a report by 9to5Mac, Apple is set to introduce a new MacBook Air with an OLED screen in 2024, which will be supplied by LG. LG is also likely to produce OLED screens for the 11-inch iPad Pro, which currently uses an LCD screen.
OLED to dominate Apple’s display portfolio
According to a report by Omdia, a market research firm, Apple will start using OLEDs in its iPad Pro devices next year, and will start using OLEDs in laptops (MacBook Pro at first) in 2026. In 2027, the company will also start using QD-OLED and/or WOLED displays for its 32-inch and 42-inch iMac monitors. The company will almost completely phase out LCDs and mini-LEDs at its mobile devices by 2026.
OLED is expected to offer several benefits for Apple’s devices, such as thinner and lighter designs, longer battery life, improved touch responsiveness, and enhanced visual quality. OLED is also more suitable for features such as ProMotion, True Tone, and HDR, which Apple has been implementing in its devices.
Apple is known for its high standards and innovation in display technology, and OLED is likely to be the next step in its evolution. By adopting OLED displays for its iPads and MacBooks, Apple will be able to deliver a more immersive and seamless user experience for its customers.
