Apple is reportedly preparing a game-changing upgrade for its MacBook Pro lineup, with a major shift from mini-LED to OLED displays starting as early as 2026. According to a new timeline revealed by research firm Omdia, Apple plans to introduce OLED screens on MacBook Pro models in 2026, enhancing both visual quality and performance.
MacBook Pro OLED Displays Set for 2026 Release
The upcoming transition to OLED technology is a significant step forward for Apple’s premium laptops. Omdia’s roadmap indicates that the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will feature OLED displays between 2026 and 2027, with a hybrid OLED technology similar to the one seen on the iPad Pro in 2024. This aligns with earlier reports, confirming that OLED will replace mini-LED displays on these high-end MacBooks.
Goodbye Notch: MacBook Pro Design Changes Ahead
In addition to the display upgrade, Apple is reportedly planning to eliminate the iconic notch that has defined recent MacBook Pro models. The roadmap suggests that, with the 2026/2027 revision, Apple will switch from the “rounded corner + notch cut” design to a “rounded corner + hole-punch cut” for housing the webcam. This change will result in a more seamless, full-screen experience and allow for a larger usable display area, a feature that many users have been hoping for.
The notch, which first appeared in the MacBook Pro with the 2021 refresh, was designed to house the front-facing camera while extending the screen’s edges closer to the device’s perimeter. However, the new hole-punch design is expected to prevent the webcam from obstructing key areas, like the macOS menu bar, offering a more unobstructed view.
What Does This Mean for MacBook Pro Users?
If this rumor proves true, MacBook Pro users can expect a sleeker, more refined design with an OLED display and a hole-punch cutout replacing the traditional notch. This could mean better visuals, more screen real estate, and an overall improved user experience. The transition from mini-LED to OLED technology will likely deliver more vibrant colors, better contrast, and deeper blacks for a superior display quality.
Could Dynamic Island Come to MacBook Pro?
While the report doesn’t offer many details on how the hole-punch cutout will be implemented, one possibility is that Apple could borrow the Dynamic Island feature from its iPhone 14 Pro models. This could provide a more dynamic and interactive experience for users, enhancing the MacBook Pro’s functionality while maintaining the sleek, modern aesthetic Apple is known for.
OLED Display Expansion Across Apple Devices
Beyond the MacBook Pro, Omdia’s roadmap also highlights other Apple products that will transition to OLED displays in the coming years. The iPad mini is expected to adopt OLED by late 2026, with the iPad Air following suit in 2027. The MacBook Air is slated to receive an OLED update in 2028, although it will likely retain the notch design for the time being. Additionally, Apple is rumored to be working on a foldable device with an OLED panel, possibly launching in 2028 or later.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 OLED MacBook Pro
With the introduction of OLED displays and a hole-punch design for the MacBook Pro, Apple is positioning itself to offer a visually stunning and more functional laptop experience. If these rumors are accurate, the 2026/2027 MacBook Pro models will represent a leap forward in both design and technology. Keep an eye on this exciting development, as Apple’s next-generation MacBooks are set to offer a premium experience that combines cutting-edge displays with sleek design upgrades.
Stay tuned for more updates as Apple’s OLED transition unfolds!
