Apple to Upgrade iPad, MacBook Air with OLED Displays

Apple is planning to bring OLED displays to its iPad mini, iPad Air, and MacBook Air lines, offering users enhanced visual experiences. The iPad mini is expected to be the first to receive the upgrade, potentially as early as 2026, followed by the iPad Air in 2027.

The MacBook Air is slated for an OLED display around 2028. This move signifies a broader shift towards OLED technology across Apple's product range, aiming to provide customers with compelling reasons to upgrade.

While the next iPad Air in spring 2026 will still feature an LCD, future generations will transition to OLED. The MacBook Pro is also expected to adopt OLED screens in its next redesign.

Highlights

• Apple plans to equip iPad mini with OLED displays by 2026, potentially adding water resistance.
• iPad Air is expected to transition to OLED screens in 2027, following the iPad mini.
• MacBook Air may receive OLED displays around 2028, completing the upgrade across Apple's popular devices.

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Top 5 Key Insights

• OLED Display Benefits: OLED screens offer richer colors and deeper contrasts compared to traditional LCD displays, enhancing the visual experience for users. This upgrade aligns Apple with other high-end devices already utilizing OLED technology.

• iPad Mini First in Line: The iPad mini is likely to be the first non-Pro iPad to receive the OLED upgrade, possibly in early 2026. This positions the iPad mini as a leader in display technology among Apple's mid-range devices.

• MacBook Air Delay: While the MacBook Pro is expected to get OLED sooner, the MacBook Air's upgrade is not anticipated until 2028 at the earliest. The current MacBook Air design will receive internal chip upgrades in spring 2026 but will retain its LCD screen.

• Water Resistance for iPad Mini: Alongside the OLED display, the iPad mini may also gain improved water resistance. This feature would enhance the device's durability and appeal, especially when compared to e-readers.

• Potential Price Increase: The transition to OLED displays may lead to higher prices for the upgraded devices. The more expensive OLED panels could add to the device cost, although the enhanced visual experience may justify the price increase for consumers.

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Expert Insights

Bloomberg: Apple is "testing new versions of each product with Oled screens...delivers richer colours and deeper contrasts than current LCD displays."

AppleInsider: "Apple's push into OLED for every device continues with iPad mini getting significant updates in 2026, iPad Air moving to OLED in 2027, and finally, MacBook Air getting the display sometime after 2028."

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Wrap Up

Apple's move to incorporate OLED displays in its iPad and MacBook Air lines reflects a commitment to providing users with cutting-edge technology. The transition promises enhanced visual experiences and could drive upgrades across Apple's customer base.

While some devices will receive the upgrade sooner than others, the overall trend indicates a future where OLED displays are standard in Apple's most popular products.

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Author

Kenji Tanaka - A technology futurist and digital strategist based in Tokyo, specializing in emerging tech trends and their impact. He explains complex innovations and the future of digital skills for Enlightnr readers.