Apple’s ambitious push into OLED technology for its iPad Pro lineup has hit a roadblock, with sales failing to meet expectations. The high cost of the latest models, featuring cutting-edge OLED advancements, has deterred many buyers, leading Apple to rethink its strategy. Initially, the company planned for over 9 million OLED panels for the new iPad Pro models, but actual shipments landed at just 5.7 million units.
Reshaping Apple’s OLED Roadmap
In response to lower-than-expected demand, Apple has revised its rollout schedule for OLED technology across its product lineup. Instead of slowing down, the company is strategically expanding OLED to more devices, adjusting timelines to balance cost, performance, and market readiness.
iPads and OLED: What’s Changing?
- iPad Mini (OLED Launch: 2026) – Apple remains committed to introducing OLED in the iPad Mini by 2026. It will feature a hybrid OLED structure designed for affordability.
- iPad Air (OLED Launch: 2027, Moved Up from 2028) – The transition to OLED for the iPad Air is happening sooner than expected, advancing by a year.
- iPad Pro (Next OLED Refresh: 2028, Delayed from 2027) – Despite a lukewarm reception to the latest models, Apple is sticking with OLED for future iterations, but the next major update has been pushed back to 2028.
- Foldable iPad (Post-2028) – A foldable iPad with an advanced OLED panel and tandem display technology is now on the horizon, but won’t be hitting the market until after 2028.
MacBooks and OLED: A Mixed Timeline
Apple is also transitioning its MacBook lineup to OLED, but adjustments have been made:
- MacBook Pro (OLED in Late 2026) – Apple is proceeding with its plan to introduce OLED in the MacBook Pro in 2026, leveraging Samsung’s 8th-gen OLED panels.
- MacBook Air (OLED Post-2028, Delayed from 2027) – The MacBook Air’s OLED transition has been pushed back beyond 2028, likely due to cost concerns. Unlike the MacBook Pro, it will use a more affordable single-stack OLED structure.
Apple’s Long-Term OLED Vision
Despite these adjustments, Apple remains fully committed to an all-OLED future. By 2028–2029, the company aims to transition all iPads and MacBooks to OLED screens exclusively. Additionally, foldable devices are expected to play a significant role in Apple’s future lineup, potentially driving a new wave of innovation and consumer interest.
