Apple is expected to release its first OLED iPad next year, but its first OLED MacBook is likely a little further away. Analyst Jeff Pu claims that Apple aims to add an OLED screen to the MacBook Pro in 2026.

This information comes from an investor memo seen by 9to5Mac. In it, Pu claims that the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro will be the first to feature OLED screens. If true, these panels would be a significant upgrade over the mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR displays currently available.

It is unclear how far they will expand from there, but Apple will then gradually roll out OLEDs to other Mac products. Perhaps more expensive models such as the Pro Display XDR and Studio Display will be first in line; other products such as the MacBook Air and iMac will eventually be upgraded, but judging by the OLED rollout of the iPad, it may take several years to happen. It may be several years before this happens, given the iPad's OLED rollout.

Mini LED displays have their advantages, but OLED screens have even more. This means true blacks, improved viewing angles, and better contrast ratios; OLED panels also tend to offer thinner, more flexible, and sleeker designs. Apple is rumored to be working on even thinner panels for the iPad, which would further reduce thickness.

Of course, OLEDs have their drawbacks. Not only are the panels generally quite expensive, but the OLEDs are prone to burning out and the organic components have a limited lifespan. That won't be an issue for several years, maybe longer, but it is a problem that no other display has.

In other words, if the advent of OLED displays is holding you back from buying a new MacBook, don't be. Because you'll have to wait a while, and in the meantime, you won't be able to enjoy all the benefits that the new MacBook Pro M3 has to offer. Check out our Black Friday MacBook Deals and get a great deal on a new MacBook.