Apple’s first OLED MacBook may borrow a key iPhone feature

Samsung Display has reportedly secured Apple’s first OLED panel order for the MacBook Pro, marking a major milestone in the transition to OLED in Apple’s Mac lineup beginning in 2026.

Does OLED mean Dynamic Island?

According to Omdia (via Digitimes), Apple will switch to OLED for the MacBook Pro next year, with Samsung Display supplying the panels and likely enabling a shift to a pill-shaped camera cutout design. This could mean the MacBook Pro will feature the Dynamic Island first introduced on the iPhone. At any rate, MacBook Pro users will likely rejoice at the “notch” going away.

As Samsung focuses on fulfilling MacBook orders, China’s BOE is targeting an opening in the iPad supply chain. Korean outlet Dealsite reports that BOE, which is investing in 8.6-generation OLED production using LTPO technology, is positioning itself as a potential supplier for future iPad models. LTPO is currently used in iPad Pro displays, aligning with BOE’s process capabilities.

BOE’s entry could help Apple increase supply chain competition and apply pricing pressure on existing Korean suppliers. LG Display has not committed to 8.6-gen OLED production, and its market share is projected to decline as Apple diversifies panel sourcing.

Meanwhile, BOE is aiming to break into Apple’s ecosystem through iPads, as the notebook market remains less accessible due to existing relationships between major PC brands and Samsung Display.

However, technical hurdles remain. While Samsung and LG began supplying OLED iPad panels in 2024 using 6th-gen lines, BOE has yet to meet Apple’s quality standards.

There are reports that Apple is working with BOE to support its development, but any production wins would likely be limited to iPad Pro models due to LTPO requirements. iPad Air and Mini models are not expected to use the same technology.

If BOE can meet Apple’s requirements, it could shift OLED panel dynamics in Apple’s favor, lowering costs and weakening South Korea’s near-total control of high-end OLED supply.

Apple is expected to release the M5-generation MacBook Pro next, followed by a redesigned MacBook Pro as early as 2026.