Archive · 30 Oct 2025
Apple Plans OLED for iPad Mini, Air, and MacBook Air
Apple is getting ready to put a new type of screen called OLED into some of its most popular gadgets.
First, the smaller iPad Mini will likely get an OLED screen in 2026.
Then, the iPad Air will get one in 2027.
Finally, the MacBook Air, Apple's laptop, will get an OLED screen closer to 2028.
These new screens make colors look much better, especially blacks, which appear truly black.
They can also be thinner and use a little less power.
Apple usually puts new technology in its fancier 'Pro' models first, and then brings it to more common models like these once it's ready.
The next iPad Air coming soon will still have the older kind of screen.
There might also be a small price increase for the iPad Mini when it gets its new screen, and some rumors suggest it might also be more water-resistant.
Apple is reportedly planning to equip the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and MacBook Air with OLED displays.
The iPad Mini is expected to receive an OLED upgrade in 2026, followed by the iPad Air in 2027, and the MacBook Air around 2028.
OLED technology offers benefits like true blacks, higher contrast ratios, and improved HDR capabilities.
The iPad Mini might also gain increased water resistance and vibration-based speakers, potentially with a price increase of about $100.
Upcoming refreshes of the iPad Air and MacBook Air in the near term are still expected to feature LCD displays.
- Who
- Apple
- What
- Planning to integrate OLED display technology into iPad Mini, iPad Air, and MacBook Air models.
- When
- Starting with iPad Mini in 2026, followed by iPad Air in 2027, and MacBook Air around 2028.
- Where
- These devices are part of Apple's product lineup.
- Why
- To offer benefits such as deeper blacks, higher contrast, more precise HDR, thinner panels, and potentially better efficiency.
Apple's Current Strategy
Competitor Strategy
OLED Adoption Timeline
Apple's Current Strategy
Apple is phasing in OLED technology gradually, starting with Pro models and then moving to mid-tier devices like the iPad Mini, Air, and MacBook Air over several years.
Competitor Strategy
Competitors like Samsung and Lenovo are already selling tablets with OLED displays at lower price points than Apple's projected pricing for its upcoming OLED models.
Pricing of OLED Models
Apple's Current Strategy
The move to OLED is expected to result in a price increase for Apple's mid-tier devices, such as the iPad Mini potentially rising by $100.
Competitor Strategy
Rival manufacturers are already offering OLED tablets priced under $500, suggesting a competitive pricing challenge for Apple.
- iPad Mini OLED Launch
- Targeted for 2026
- iPad Air OLED Launch
- Likely in 2027
- MacBook Air OLED Launch
- Expected around 2028
- Potential Price Increase (iPad Mini)
- Approximately $100
- Current iPad Air Refresh
- Expected with LCD panel in spring