Apple Suppliers Preparing for First OLED iPad in 2024, Followed by OLED MacBook

China's BOE Technology is preparing to supply Apple with OLED displays for future iPad and MacBook models, The Elec reports.

Oled iPads and MackBook Pro Notch
In preparation for Apple's supply requirements, BOE will build a Gen 8.6 OLED display panel production line at its B16 factory in Sichuan Province, China, according to The Elec. The new production line will reportedly open toward the end of 2024. The company plans to rival South Korea's Samsung Display and LG Display in supplying Apple with OLED panels for future ‌iPad‌ and MacBook models.

Both Samsung and LG are said to use Gen 6 production lines for their first OLED panels for iPads, before using Gen 8.5 production lines for various Apple devices set to debut after the launch of the first ‌iPad‌ model with an OLED display. Gen 8.5 production lines yield more OLED panels per substrate than Gen 6 lines and is therefore more cost effective.

BOE is also testing two-stack tandem OLED technology, which can offer increased brightness and longevity. This makes two-stack tandem OLED displays more suitable for devices like iPads and MacBooks, since they are often used for a longer period of time than smartphones.

The Elec reaffirmed that Apple is planning to introduce its first ‌iPad‌ models with OLED displays in 2024. A previous report situated the launch of the first MacBook with an OLED display in 2025, depending on the success of new 11- and 12.9-inch OLED iPad Pro models from the previous year.

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Top Rated Comments

one more Avatar
48 months ago

Quite happy with Mini LED on my MBP. I just don't get all the love for OLED...
No blooming and deeper blacks?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dantracht Avatar
48 months ago
Ok, so I’ll hang onto my fleet until 2024. Got it.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
randomgeeza Avatar
48 months ago
Quite happy with Mini LED on my MBP. I just don't get all the love for OLED...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
EugW Avatar
48 months ago

It feels more like a marketing gimmick at this point. Most people can’t tell the difference with all these marginal display improvements. Side by side, you’ll sometimes notice some improvements, but in most everyday use, not much.
The difference between OLED and mini-LED is extremely obvious in a darkened room. Where it is much less obvious is in a bright room. And in fact, in a bright room, mini-LED is sometimes superior.

IOW, it depends on your use case and preferences.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moonjumper Avatar
48 months ago
I love an OLED display, and it is finally starting to look a good option for screens that show static data as burn-in is much less of an issue. Two-stack takes that to the next step. I look forward to it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MayaUser Avatar
48 months ago
and in 2024 it will be reported for 2025...we got it
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)