Apple Testing OLED for MacBook Air, iMac; Upgrades Still Years Away
Apple is testing OLED displays for future MacBook Air and iMac models, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. However, the next refreshes of these devices are expected to retain LCD panels. Gurman anticipates a new iMac arriving this week and a MacBook Air update in early 2027, but has not provided a specific timeline for the transition to OLED technology.
Key points
- Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman reports that Apple is currently testing OLED displays for upcoming MacBook Air and iMac models.
- The immediate next refreshes of both the iMac and MacBook Air are expected to continue using LCD displays rather than OLED.
- Gurman predicts a new iMac will launch this week, while a MacBook Air refresh is anticipated for early 2027.
- No specific timeframe has been provided for when Apple will fully transition these product lines to OLED technology.
- The findings are part of Gurman's latest Power On newsletter, which also covers other Apple hardware developments.
Apple is actively testing OLED display technology for its MacBook Air and iMac product lines, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While the adoption of OLED panels is a significant potential upgrade, the transition is not imminent for the devices' next scheduled updates. Gurman indicates that the upcoming refreshes for both the iMac and the MacBook Air are expected to retain their current LCD display technology.
The timeline for these hardware updates suggests a phased approach to display technology. Gurman anticipates that a new iMac model will arrive in the coming days, while a refresh of the MacBook Air is projected for early 2027. Despite these near-term releases, the specific timeline for when Apple will switch these specific models to OLED remains undefined. The testing phase suggests the technology is in development, but mass implementation for these consumer-facing products is still some way off.
This development fits into a broader pattern of Apple gradually integrating OLED displays across its ecosystem. While premium products like the iPhone and certain iPad models have already adopted the technology, the MacBook Air and iMac have historically relied on LCD panels. The current testing phase indicates that Apple is evaluating the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of bringing OLED to these lines, but the immediate product cycle will focus on other updates before the display technology changes.
Sources
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