Apple plans gradual OLED shift across iPad and Mac lineup

Supply-chain signals and analyst reports suggest Apple will extend OLED displays beyond premium models, with iPads and Macs expected to transition between 2026 and 2028 as the company pursues better visuals and energy efficiency.

Apple is preparing to expand the use of OLED display technology across much of its iPad and Mac portfolio over the next few years, signalling a major shift in its long-term hardware roadmap. The transition, reported by supply-chain sources and industry watchers, would build on OLED’s success across iPhones, Apple Watch models and the high-end iPad Pro range.

OLED panels are seen as a meaningful upgrade over traditional LCD screens, offering deeper blacks, improved contrast, richer colours and better power efficiency—attributes that align with Apple’s focus on premium display quality.

OLED roadmap takes shape across devices

According to supply-chain information cited by DigiTimes, Apple plans to introduce OLED displays to several mainstream products between 2026 and 2028. These include the iPad mini, iPad Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and the iMac. The staggered rollout suggests Apple will prioritise higher-margin and professional devices before extending the technology to more affordable models.

Analysts believe the shift will also help Apple standardise display technology across product families while unlocking thinner designs and potential battery-life improvements.

iPad mini and MacBook Pro likely early adopters

Industry analyst Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has previously indicated that the iPad mini and MacBook Pro are expected to be among the first remaining Apple devices to adopt OLED screens. While early speculation pointed to a faster timeline, more recent expectations suggest the iPad mini could transition in 2026, with the MacBook Pro following later that year or into 2027.

The iPad Air, which is expected to receive a refresh sooner, is widely believed to retain an LCD panel in its next iteration. OLED is now expected to arrive in a subsequent generation, likely no earlier than 2027.

Desktop and entry-level macs to follow later

Apple’s desktop lineup is also part of the longer-term plan. Reports from South Korea indicate that a 24-inch iMac with an OLED display is in development, with a potential launch window in 2027 or 2028. Such a move would mark a significant visual upgrade for the all-in-one desktop.

Among Apple’s notebooks, the MacBook Air is expected to be the last to transition. Current projections place its OLED debut around 2028, reflecting Apple’s strategy of introducing advanced display technologies on premium products before bringing them to mass-market devices.