OLED

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on OLED:

Apple’s Touch Bar resurrected as Flexbar USB-C OLED strip [Updated]

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Flexbar touch bar device
The standalone device features an OLED screen, USB-C connectivity and haptic feedback.
Photo: Eniac Technology

A recently launched Kickstarter project aims to breathe fresh life into Apple’s discontinued Touch Bar concept, offering a more versatile and customizable solution for both Mac and Windows users. Flexbar, developed by Hong Kong startup Eniac Technology, reimagines the controversial MacBook Pro feature as a standalone accessory that promises to deliver on the Touch Bar’s original potential.

“The discontinuation of the original Touch Bar didn’t mean the concept was flawed — it simply wasn’t taken far enough to reach its full [potential],” the Eniac team said. “There’s something undeniable [about the idea]: the potential for a customizable, adaptive interface that could streamline workflows was immense. We decided to step in.”

Update: Eniac sent out a reminder Tuesday that Flexbar’s Kickstarter campaign ends Thursday (January 2, 2025), so time to participate is waning. You can still pledge to get one Flexbar for $179 $149, two for $358 $219 or three for $537 $299. And it appears the device will most likely go into regular production, as funding reached $284,612 by Tuesday, well over the campaign’s goal of $2,576.

Expect 2026 to be a huge year for OLED MacBook and iPad

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OLED MacBook Air
Your next MacBook could have an OLED screen.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple intends to introduce its first MacBooks with an OLED screen in 2026, according to industry analysts. And the iPad mini will allegedly go OLED that same year. Apple’s full transition to OLED will take until 2028, though.

And that’s supposedly the same year the company will introduce a computer with an 18.8-inch foldable display.

Don’t hold your breath for an OLED MacBook Air

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OLED MacBook Air
An OLED MacBook Air is coming. Someday.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

The predictions of a MacBook Air in 2027 could turn out to be optimistic, according to sources in the screen panel industry. Prices for the OLED display are high, and there’s reason to question demand for the new type of screen.

An OLED MacBook Pro is expected sooner, however.

OLED MacBook still at least 2 years away

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OLED MacBook is possible… and probably inevitable
An OLED MacBook is more than possible... it's inevitable.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple’s switch from LCD to OLED in its MacBook line isn’t moving quickly. A pair of respected industry analysts agree that it won’t happen before 2026.

The change should improve the performance of the display, but might also drive up the price of macOS notebooks.

iPad Air with OLED screen might launch in 2026 after all

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OLED iPad Air preview
An iPad Air that replaces the traditional LCD with an OLED might be only a couple of years away.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

An iPad Air with an OLED display rather than the current LCD seems a safe bet considering the number of leaks indicating one is in development. But sources can’t agree on when — the latest report says 2026.

That said, Apple already has an OLED tablet for those who want one now.

OLED MacBook might be 2 years away

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OLED MacBook is possible… and probably inevitable
Your next MacBook might have an OLED display.
Photo: Cult of Mac

A MacBook with an OLED display in place of the LCD could be on the market in 2026, according to an industry analyst.

This should noticeably improve on the already excellent displays used in macOS notebooks.

iPad mini with OLED screen on course for release

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OLED iPad mini concept
Add iPad mini to the list of Apple devices getting an OLED screen.
Image: Cult of Mac/Apple/Paul Inkles

An OLED screen intended for iPad mini is active development, according to an unconfirmed report coming out of Asia. Apple’s smallest tablet will get the improved display in a couple of years.

The news comes on the heels of the launch of the M4 iPad Pro, the first in this line of tablets with an OLED screen.

Wait for OLED iPad Pro might stretch into April [Updated again]

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Wait for OLED iPad Pro might stretch into April
An OLED screen should make the 2024 iPad Pro the best-looking ever ... when it finally arrives.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly still working on the version of iPadOS needed for the first iPad Pro with a OLED screen. The software development process might delay the launch until well into April.

Previous leaks previously pointed at a March debut, and that’s still possible. But those eager for Apple’s next premium tablet should also be prepared to wait as much as another month.

And apparently the launch date won’t be March 26, despite a recent rumor.

OLED iPad Air might be on hold until 2028

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OLED iPad Air preview
An iPad Air with an OLED display might be four years away.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

While the first iPad Pro with an OLED display is expected any day now, iPad Air fans will have a much longer wait. Possibly until 2028. That’s what an analyst predicted, anyway.

However, this contradicts a previous report that said an OLED iPad Air would be out in 2026.

Apple expects 13-inch OLED iPad Pro to outsell smaller version

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2024 OLED iPad Pro mockup
Apple expects the larger 2024 iPad Pro model to be the more popular.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple reportedly ordered 8.5 million OLED screens for the iPad Pro models it’s expected to launch soon. More of these panels are for the 13-inch version of the tablet than they are for the 11-inch one.

Leaks indicate the next generation iPad Pro will reach store shelves later this month. Possibly even next week.

Apple Watch Ultra with micro LED display seemingly canceled

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Apple Watch Ultra will stick with OLED and not move to micro LED.
Apple Watch Ultra will apparently stick with OLED and not move to micro LED.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

Plans to transition Apple Watch Ultra to a micro LED display have been dropped, according to a trusted source of insider Apple information.

Beyond that, Apple seems to have lost interest in micro LED screens entirely.

OLED iPad Pro won’t cost an arm and a leg

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OLED iPad mockup
Apple isn't about to price the OLED iPad Pro out of the reach of most consumers.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Early reports may have overstated the cost increase resulting from adding an OLED display to the first iPad Pro. New information indicates the price jump will be less than half of what had been previously rumored.

The high-end tablet is expected to launch in March/April.

OLED iPad Pro might launch later than expected

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OLED iPad mockup
OLED screens are on the way to the 2024 iPad Pro line. But when?
Photo: Cult of Mac

The first iPad Pro with a OLED display is reportedly on track to launch in April. While that’s generally good news, previous leaks predicted a release in March.

The next generation of iPad Pro is also expected to have other enhancements, like an Apple M3 processor.

Apple Watch Ultra may get bigger, pricier microLED display in 2026

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Apple Watch Ultra 2 diver
Think Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a big screen? Well, it's probably going to get significantly larger.
Photo: Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 2’s generously large display, expected to switch from OLED to microLED, will come out later than previously estimated, grow by 10% in size and cost more, according to a research company.

Other recent estimates pushed back the launch time frame to 2025, but now it may actually be 2026.

12.9-inch iPad Air, OLED iPad Pro pegged for March release

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iPad Air and iPad Pro
The largest iPad Air yet is on the way.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The long wait for fresh iPads will reportedly come to an end in March 2024. The first 12.9-inch iPad Air will launch then, according a reliable Apple tipster, as will the much-anticipated iPad Pro with an OLED screen.

In addition, new versions of Apple Pencil and the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad will also be unveiled at the same time.

iPad Air and iPad mini with OLED screens pegged for 2026 release

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OLED iPad mini concept
OLED iPad models might come in big and small sizes.
Image: Cult of Mac/Apple/Paul Inkles

Add iPad Air and iPad mini to the list of Apple tablets getting OLED screens. At least, that’s what an unconfirmed report coming out of Asia says. And the mini will supposedly get a boost in display size.

The top-of-the-line iPad Pro models will reportedly get the enhanced display type much sooner, though.

Don’t expect an OLED MacBook before 2026

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OLED MacBook is possible… and probably inevitable
An OLED MacBook will happen, but patience is required.
Photo: Cult of Mac

An authority on display technology said Wednesday that Apple will be unable to introduce a MacBook with an OLED screen for at least three years.

But iPads with OLED are expected much sooner.

OLED iPad almost certainly coming in 2024

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Here's more proof iPad will get gorgeous OLED screens
An iPad with a beautiful OLED display should be out in under a year.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple will upgrade the next iPad Pro with an OLED display in 2024, according to a market research firm. This is the latest in a long series of reports indicating that these top-tier tablets are moving beyond traditional LED screens.

However, the same source indicates that the first MacBook with OLED won‘t be out before 2027.

Next iPad Pros could boast larger OLED displays

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Here's more proof iPad will get gorgeous OLED screens
The first OLED iPad Pro will not just be better looking, it'll be a bit larger.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple plans a modest increase the screen sizes in the next generation of iPad Pro models, according to a reliable source. Numerous earlier leaks indicted these will also be the first Apple tablets with OLED displays.

That will make the upcoming iPad Pro significant a improvement over the 2022 version.

Next iPad Pro refresh could finally bring OLED displays

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Here's more proof iPad will get gorgeous OLED screens
Will an OLED iPad finally arrive in 2024?
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple could switch to OLED display panels on the 2024 iPad Pro lineup, according to display expert Ross Young. The DSCC analyst accurately predicted that the M2 11-inch iPad Pro would continue using an LCD panel.

Apple switched to a mini-LED panel on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the 2021 refresh. While it brings a noticeable leap in image quality, the panel is only available on the bigger model.

Apple could be working on thinner OLED panels for a foldable iPhone

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An iPhone concept shows a realistic folding iPhone design
Apple wants to remove the polarizer from OLED panels to make them thinner
Screenshot: ConceptsiPhone

Apple has started developing an OLED panel without a polarizer that will make them thinner than traditional displays.

Reportedly, these slim OLED panels are ideal for use in foldable displays. Samsung already uses OLED displays with similar technology on the Galaxy Z Fold3.

iPad with OLED display pegged for 2024

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Here's more proof iPad will get gorgeous OLED screens
An iPad with a beautiful OLED display seems inevitable at this point. It’s only a question of when.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The first iPad with an OLED display could be in customers’ hands in 2024, according to new report.

There’ve been enough previous leaks pointing to Apple switching at least some of its tablets from standard LCDs to OLEDs that it’s become a question of when, not if.

Samsung will make OLED displays for new iPad models coming in 2024

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iPad Black Friday deals
Apple reportedly cancelled plans for an OLED iPad this year.
Photo: Apple

Samsung has begun developing “tandem” OLED panels for new iPad models that are scheduled to be released in 2024, according to a new report.

Sources say that after Apple has begun transitioning to OLED displays for iPad — which was supposedly scheduled to begin this year before the move was shelved — it will follow with new OLED MacBook and iMac models.

LG shifts display production to prepare for new OLED iPad

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Apple Smart Folio for iPad Pro, iPad Air
But when will we actually see an OLED iPad?
Photo: Apple

LG Display is reportedly making changes to its production plans so it can double its OLED screen output in preparation for a new iPad, according to a new report.

Sources say the South Korean company is shifting equipment to its Paju plant to ensure more efficient production of high-resolution panels that meet Apple’s strict quality standards for iPad.