Switch to OLED: Which iPads and Macs could get new screens
Currently, Apple only uses organic light-emitting diode-based displays in iPhones and iPad Pros. This is set to expand significantly.
iPad Pro M5: This and the previous generation come with OLED.
(Image: Apple)
For years, there have been serious rumors that Apple will switch from traditional LCD technology to OLED screens for devices with large displays. The power-saving display type with good color yield has been used in iPhones since the iPhone X in 2017, but only with the iPad Pro M4 last year did the manufacturer start using 11 and 13-inch OLEDs. Now, the trend is expected to continue in the coming months and years with further models—both tablets and portable Macs, including more affordable variants.
OLED everywhere—for more money
Until now, it was only certain that a redesign of the MacBook Pro with OLEDs was firmly planned, with the earliest expectation being in early autumn 2026. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, usually well-informed, wrote this week, however, that there are firm plans for the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and even the iPad Mini. This would be a new development. From a user's perspective, this would have some advantages, as can be seen from the positive reviews for the iPad Pro M4 and now the iPad Pro M5. But at the same time, the price could increase—by as much as $100 for an iPad mini alone.
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The aforementioned compact tablet (currently 8.3-inch display size) is said to be the first to receive better color reproduction and higher contrasts. It could be released as early as next year—reportedly also water-resistant for the first time and with new speaker technology (vibration-based speakers). But it doesn't stop there. The iPad Air is also said to switch to OLED in the generation after next, although the refresh planned for spring will initially stick with LCD and primarily bring faster chips.
iPhones completely without LCD
The MacBook Pro remains the first OLED Mac. But a MacBook Air is to follow. To maintain sufficient differentiation between the product lines, Gurman does not foresee this change before 2028. In spring 2026, only a processor upgrade (then to the M5) is planned.
Apple has long since completed the switch to OLED for the iPhone. With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, which replaced the SE 3, there are no longer any LCD models on the market. Apple currently only uses other forms of OLED technology, such as micro-OLEDs, in specialized applications like the expensive Vision Pro. However, according to a display expert, Apple has been using Quantum Dot technology as backlighting since the MacBook Pro M4.
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