Apple’s OLED Plans: iPad mini, MacBook Air, and a Potential Foldable in Sight
A new report from market research firm Omdia offers interesting insights into Apple’s future plans regarding OLED display technology. According to Omdia, Apple is set to significantly expand the adoption of OLED across more of its product lines in the coming years, including the traditionally LCD-equipped iPad mini, iPad Air, and even MacBooks.
The initial wave of OLED integration is expected to hit the iPad mini first, potentially as early as 2026, making it the first non-Pro iPad to feature the premium display technology. Utilizing OLED’s deep blacks, vibrant colors, and greater contrast will undoubtedly elevate the iPad mini’s already impressive portability and user experience.
Following the mini’s transition, Omdia predicts that the iPad Air in both 11- and 13-inch sizes will adopt OLED displays between 2027 and 2028. These models are expected to utilize single-stack OLED panels operating at 60Hz.
Meanwhile, MacBook Pro models, currently boasting Liquid Retina XDR displays, are projected to gain a significant OLED upgrade in 2026. Both the 14- and 16-inch Pro models will supposedly be equipped with two-stack OLED panels running at a smooth 120Hz. This two-stack technology will bring profound advantages, including doubled brightness compared to traditional OLEDs and a lifespan projected to be up to four times longer.
Furthermore, the MacBook Air line is slated to embrace OLED in 2028, with 13.8-inch and 15.5-inch models adopting single-stack 120Hz panels.
Perhaps the most intriguing detail in Omdia’s report is the rumored development of a foldable Apple device with an 18.8-inch display, potentially arriving in 2028 or later. This move would mark a significant shift for Apple, blurring the lines between tablet and laptop experiences.
The adoption of OLED on such a vast scale would be a natural evolution for the Apple ecosystem. The technology is already present in all flagship iPhones and has made its way to the iPad Pro since May 2024.
Bringing OLED to devices like the iPad mini, iPad Air, and MacBook signifies Apple’s strategy of democratizing premium features, making them accessible to broader market segments. This measured approach also ensures a clear distinction between “Pro” and non-“Pro” models, maintaining a diverse and valuable product lineup.
How might Apple differentiate its “Pro” devices from more affordable models if OLED technology becomes standard across the board?
**interviewer:** Joining us today is tech analyst, Sarah Jones, too discuss some intriguing rumors about Apple’s future plans. Sarah, Omdia predicts a major shift towards OLED displays across Apple’s entire product line. What are your initial thoughts on this?
**Sarah Jones:** It’s certainly an aspiring move by Apple, but one that aligns with their history of pushing technological boundaries. OLED offers a noticeably superior visual experience, and bringing it to more affordable devices like the iPad mini and Air makes sense from a consumer outlook.
**Interviewer:** Many users associate OLED with premium devices like iPhones and the iPad Pro.Do you think making it more commonplace will somehow dilute the exclusivity of those higher-end models?
**Sarah Jones:** That’s a valid point. Apple has carefully cultivated a tiered system with “Pro” devices boasting the latest and greatest tech. Making OLED mainstream could blur those lines. It will be captivating to see how Apple differentiates future Pro models to maintain that exclusivity.
**Interviewer:** And what about the potential foldable iPad? That seems like a bold step, even for Apple.
**Sarah Jones:** Absolutely. This is where things get really interesting. A foldable device opens up a lot of possibilities for how we interact with technology, but also raises questions about durability, software optimization, and, of course, price point. This is where reader feedback is crucial. Do you see a foldable iPad as an exciting innovation or a risky gamble?
