2027 MacBooks appear to forgo OLED displays, hint revealed
In a recent report by Display Supply Chain Consultants, it has been revealed that the panel shipments for the 13-inch iPad Pro are expected to drop by a staggering 90% in the fourth quarter. This decline follows a slowdown in demand for the iPad Pro, which boasts the best displays ever produced for a tablet.
Similarly, the demand for the 11-inch iPad Pro M4 decreased by 40% in the third quarter, according to the same source. This trend suggests a potential shift in consumer preferences for Apple's tablet offerings.
Amidst this, Apple is reportedly developing a new MacBook Air with an oxide thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD). This will be the first time MacBook Air models are equipped with oxide TFT LCD displays. While no specific benefits for the MacBook Air, such as higher resolution, faster response time, and more efficient power usage, have been detailed, it is expected that the improved performance of the oxide TFT LCD display could lead to these advantages.
Despite the potential benefits, the MacBook Air model with an oxide TFT LCD display is not expected to feature top-of-the-line OLED displays. The fundamental reason for this, according to industry insiders, is Apple's ongoing development of more advanced flexible OLED technologies aimed at future devices with seamless, wraparound displays. Apple tends to prepare software foundations years before hardware launches and may delay OLED MacBook adoption until the technology better fits their design goals.
The delay in the release of OLED MacBook Airs is reportedly due to high prices and supply chain issues. Parts industry officials have stated that the OLED MacBook Air has been delayed, with one source citing the high price and supply chain challenges associated with implementing OLED displays as the specific reason.
Rumours persist about the OLED MacBook Air, but for now, it seems that consumers will have to settle for the improved oxide TFT LCD display in the upcoming MacBook Air. Changing the display from LCD to OLED alone does not seem to be a significant draw for consumers, suggesting that Apple will need to emphasise other features to entice buyers.
The launch of the OLED iPad Pro revealed that applying OLED increases the product price. Given the slowdown in iPad Pro demand and the challenges associated with OLED adoption in MacBooks, Apple appears to be cautious about history repeating itself with the MacBook Airs.
In conclusion, while the upcoming MacBook Air will feature an oxide TFT LCD display, the potential adoption of OLED displays in the future remains uncertain due to high prices and supply chain issues. Apple's focus on developing advanced flexible OLED technologies for future devices suggests that they are preparing for a shift towards OLED displays, but it may be some time before we see this technology in the MacBook Air.
