Apple Set to Launch MacBook Air with OLED Display, But Not Anytime Soon

Apple, known for its premium technology, has recently revealed that it plans to launch MacBook Air models with OLED displays, but it won't be happening anytime soon. The company initially expected the first OLED MacBook Air to arrive by 2027, but reports indicate that the launch has now been pushed to around 2029. This delay follows a lukewarm market response to OLED displays in iPad Pro models.

Why Apple Is Delaying OLED Displays for MacBook Air

According to a report from the Korean publication The Elec, Apple had previously aimed to introduce OLED technology to its MacBook Air lineup soon after the MacBook Pro models. However, the lower-than-expected sales of the OLED-equipped iPad Pro models have prompted Apple to reconsider its original plans. The OLED MacBook Air was once projected for 2027, but due to less-than-ideal iPad Pro sales figures, Apple now appears to be postponing the MacBook Air's OLED debut until around 2029.

The High Cost of OLED Technology

OLED displays are known for their superior performance, offering benefits such as brighter screens, deeper blacks, and improved battery life. However, the technology comes with a hefty price tag, raising production costs considerably. This increase in cost may not align well with the more affordable price range of the MacBook Air, which is targeted toward a budget-conscious customer base. Due to this, Apple is taking a cautious approach with OLED, waiting until market conditions and production costs are more favorable.

Oxide TFT Displays as a Temporary Solution

While Apple may be delaying the OLED MacBook Air, the company is not standing still. Reports suggest that Apple will upgrade the MacBook Air’s existing LCD displays by introducing "oxide TFT" technology in 2027. This technology is expected to enhance the durability, contrast, and overall visual experience of the MacBook Air while keeping costs in check. The move will provide a significant upgrade without the high expenses associated with OLED.

MacBook Pro with OLED Coming in 2026

While the MacBook Air’s OLED upgrade is delayed, Apple’s premium MacBook Pro models are on track to receive OLED displays much sooner. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, expected to launch in 2026, will feature OLED displays.

This transition aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its high-end devices with next-generation technology. Experts believe that the 2026 MacBook Pro will feature a significant overhaul, with OLED displays making the device thinner and more efficient, similar to how the OLED-equipped iPad Pro became Apple's thinnest tablet in 2024.

MacBook Air with M4 Chip Expected in 2025

In addition to the delay in OLED technology, Apple is also preparing to update its MacBook Air lineup. The 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models are expected to feature the new M4 chip when they launch in 2025. These new models will continue to use LCD displays but are expected to feature improved performance and energy efficiency with the M4 chip, making them competitive within the affordable laptop segment.

Conclusion: Apple's Future Laptop Plans

Apple's roadmap for its laptop products indicates significant technological advances, with OLED displays coming to the MacBook Pro models in 2026 and LCD upgrades for the MacBook Air in the meantime. The MacBook Air will not feature OLED displays until 2029, but the introduction of oxide TFT technology in 2027 will provide a much-needed boost in display quality while keeping the costs affordable for customers. As the market for Apple’s laptops evolves, these upgrades will keep Apple competitive with other manufacturers in the personal computing space.