Apple recently announced the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models at its 'Scary Fast' event with the new M3 chip. The devices come in an all-new Space Black color option, and the rest of the design was kept the same as last generation models. It is now being reported that the company is working on OLED MacBook Pro models, but you will have to wait a few years. Eventually, Apple could transition to its custom micro-LED displays, but the next significant upgrade for the MacBook Pro revolves around the OLED panels.

Apple to launch OLED MacBook Pro models in 2026, MacBook Air models to follow

According to industry analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong International Technology Research, Apple will launch the OLED MacBook Pro first and then move toward the MacBook Air series for the same upgrade (via MacRumors). The analyst claims that Apple will announce the OLED MacBook Pro in 2026. This is not the first time we heard details on the OLED MacBook Pro, as Jeff Pu's claims line perfectly with Ross Young.

Other than the OLED MacBook Pro, Jeff Pu also states that after the 'Pro' model, Apple will see fit to upgrade the MacBook Air models with an OLED display. However, the company will upgrade the MacBook Air displays years after the OLED MacBook Pro launch. It was previously reported that Samsung Display will take orders from Apple to manufacture OLED panels for the MacBook Air.

Apple's 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models currently feature a mini-LED display that is superior to an LCD but lacks some of the benefits of an OLED panel. The MacBook Air models currently feature an LCD, and it appears the company will stick with the panels for another few years. However, Apple could upgrade the MacBook Air models with mini-LED panels when the company decided to equip the MacBook Pro models with an OLED display.

OLED display poses various benefits over LCD and mini-LED displays with deeper blacks and a higher contrast ratio. Additionally, due to the lower power-hungry nature of the panels, it also consumes less battery. However, it remains to be seen how the company will handle screen burn-in issues upon excessive use.

Besides this, Apple plans to transition to its in-house micro-LED displays eventually. It was reported that Apple will debut micro-LED displays with an Apple Watch Ultra upgrade in 2025. The display would trickle down to the iPhone and iPad in the following years. The company could transition from OLED to micro-LED displays for the MacBook Pro models. Note that the final word rests with Apple, and it will be years before the company decides to do so. Henceforth, the company's plans could alter based on supply and production scenarios.