The rumored 2027 release of an OLED MacBook Air might be pushed back, according to a report from Korean publication The Elec. While the OLED MacBook Pro appears to be on track, the higher cost of OLED technology presents a bigger challenge for the more budget-conscious MacBook Air line.
A key selling point of the MacBook Air is its affordability, making it a popular choice for first-time Mac users, students, and budget-minded consumers. Although price increases are common in the tech world, the lukewarm reception of the 2024 OLED iPad Pro suggests that a new display alone isn’t enough to justify a higher price point.
Initially, Apple projected shipments of 10 million iPad Pro units for the year, but this figure has reportedly been revised down to 6-7 million. This is less of a concern for the OLED MacBook Pro, expected in 2026. High-end users and businesses often maximize specs and spend upwards of $7,000 on these models, making a premium display a fitting upgrade.
The MacBook Air, however, faces a different challenge. It needs to maintain a balance of premium features and affordability. If the MacBook Pro adopts OLED, consumers will inevitably expect the same for the Air. The Elec suggests that the limited number of OLED suppliers contributes to Apple’s pricing dilemma. Currently, Apple relies on Samsung and LG for its OLED displays, hindering competition and price reductions.
One might wonder why Apple doesn’t simply use a less expensive OLED panel for the MacBook Air. According to the report, this is already the plan, yet pricing issues persist. The OLED MacBook Pro is expected to utilize Tandem OLED technology, similar to the iPad Pro, employing two panels for enhanced brightness and burn-in prevention.
In contrast, the OLED MacBook Air would reportedly use a single OLED panel. The report further indicates that a significant drop in manufacturing costs by 2027 is unlikely. Therefore, Apple will need to negotiate with its suppliers to keep the MacBook Air’s price within an acceptable range.
This potential delay highlights the complexities of balancing technological advancement with affordability in the competitive consumer electronics market.
