Apple could make an OLED switch for iPad and MacBook screens: Report

In a move that signals a departure from Apple’s traditional use of the LCD, the company is poised to integrate advanced OLED screens into its high-end iPads and MacBooks. According to a report in the Nikkei Asia, this transition is slated for implementation as early as next year, marking a significant leap forward in visual display capabilities.

This strategic move comes at a time when OLEDs already enjoy a dominance in the realm of premium smartphones. Beyond iPads, Apple’s commitment to OLED extends to its MacBook lineup. According to media reports, an OLED MacBook model is under development for production in the second half of 2025, suggesting a potential launch of the same at the end of the year or in early 2026.

The widespread adoption of OLED technology by Apple carries significant implications for the over $150Bn display manufacturing landscape. Giants such as Samsung Display, LG Display, and China’s BOE Technology Holding, with substantial investments in OLED, are positioned to capitalize on this shift. Conversely, competitors lacking OLED presence, including JDI, Sharp, AUO, and Innolux, may face heightened challenges in maintaining competitiveness.

The incorporation of OLED in MacBooks also promises users an enriched visual experience, setting the stage for a paradigm shift in laptop display standards. For one, Apple’s move to OLED promises an elevated visual experience for iPad and MacBook users. OLED technology offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast ratios compared to traditional LCDs, enhancing the overall quality of content consumption and productivity. Furthermore, Apple’s decision is expected to stimulate investments in OLED technology throughout the supply chain, LCD display manufacturers may face challenges as OLED adoption grows.

With industry leaders shifting to OLED, LCD makers could experience increased difficulty in maintaining market share. This may lead to downsizing and a more competitive landscape in the automotive market. In fact, the adoption of OLED by Apple and other industry leaders may lead to OLED becoming the standard in smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. This could stimulate further investments in OLED technology, solidifying its position as the preferred display technology in the consumer electronics market.

Apart from this, reports suggest that the company is exploring the feasibility of introducing foldable iPads post-OLED integration. The concrete timeline for the same remain elusive. Still, the company’s pivot towards OLED technology is poised to reverberate across the global market, particularly within the tablet and personal computer sectors. As industry leaders like Apple and Samsung embrace OLED for their devices, the entire supply chain is expected to witness heightened investments in OLED technology, solidifying its position as the future industry standard.