Future iPad Pro and MacBook Pro Models Rumored to Feature Ultra-Bright Double-Stack OLED Displays

[MacRumors]

Apple is in discussions with Samsung and LG over applying OLED displays with a two-stack tandem structure to future iPad and MacBook models, but the devices are likely several years away from launch, according to Korean website The Elec.

The report indicates that a two-stack tandem structure would consist of two layers of red, green, and blue emission layers, allowing for the future iPad and MacBook models to have significantly brighter displays with up to double the luminance. Apple's current OLED devices like the iPhone have a single-stack structure, the report adds.

Given that OLED technology is expensive, it's likely the displays will be used on future iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models specifically. The report claims the future iPads will come in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, which are indeed the current iPad Pro sizes.

The report claims the two-stack iPad displays will also be low-power LTPO panels, which could allow for a wider ProMotion refresh rate range between 10Hz and 120Hz, in line with the iPhone 13 Pro models. iPad Pro models have already supported ProMotion since 2017, but with a refresh rate between 24Hz and 120Hz.

Timing remains a big question mark. While some earlier reports claimed the first iPad with an OLED display was slated for release in 2022, today's report claims the timeframe has been pushed back to late 2023 or 2024. The first MacBook with an OLED display might follow in 2025, but this plan could be postponed further, the report adds.

In the meantime, Apple has adopted mini-LED backlighting, starting with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. Mini-LED technology offers increased brightness for HDR content and improved contrast ratio.

Update: A separate report from Nikkei Asia today claims that Apple is also actively researching and developing micro-LED display technology.

In the long term, industry insiders expect the rise of even smaller micro-LEDs that measure under 100 microns and can express primary colors without the use of a filter.

Apple has made an acquisition in micro-LEDs and is said to have an active development program in this field.

Article Link: Future iPad Pro and MacBook Pro Models Rumored to Feature Ultra-Bright Double-Stack OLED Displays

 

[sniffies]

Oh no, my MBP M1 Max 64 already feels outdated




/s

 

[Michael Scrip]

Burn-in-gate?

?

 

[DHagan4755]

Hopefully they work out the issues with OLED off angle color shift.

 

[DMG35]

I'm ready to trade in my M1 Max for the $400 Apple will provide me with the trade.

 

[Techwatcher]

Just remember folks, something better is always around the corner. So if what's out now looks good to you just get it if it's future proofed enough. If you wait around for this then the next day a news story titled "Micro-LED MacBook Pro M5 Ultra is currently in the works" and it never ends lol.

 

[bbplayer5]

I will never buy another OLED screen unless its on a phone. My LG OLED tv has so much burn in, its a disgrace.

 

[xxray]

2023-2025 makes way more sense considering the 12.9 iPad Pro and MacBook Pros just got mini-LED this year. The 11” iPad Pro doesn’t even have mini-LED yet.

 

[slplss]

God hope not. Even Samsung stays away from OLED in its TVs like it was a plague.

 

[chrisdazzo]

Definitely staying away from any future OLED Macs until they address burn-in. I sometimes see temporary but very discernible burn-in of my Dock/apps, even on my 2019 iMac (5K LED). Not a fan.

 

[now i see it]

After reading “OLED” in the title, my eyes glazed over.
When will this era of PWM flickering hell end?

 

[Falhófnir]

Are the displays not already bright enough at 1,000 nits?

Burn-in-gate?

?

Blindedgate

 

[slplss]

After reading “OLED” in the title, my eyes glazed over.
When will this era of PWM flickering hell end?

You don't also like OLED ghosting, burn-in and dirty screen effect? I wonder why.

 

[magicschoolbus]

I doubt this to be true. Apple has seemed to go all in on mini LED

 

[bsamcash]

As I photographer, I much prefer mLED over OLED. But I guess Apple will go with whichever is cheaper to manufacture and easier to market.

 

[xxray]

Definitely staying away from any future OLED Macs until they address burn-in. I sometimes see temporary but very discernible burn-in of my Dock/apps, even on my 2019 iMac (5K LED). Not a fan.

The Apple Watch has had OLED since 2015 and the iPhone since 2017, with no widespread reports of burn-in.

 

[kiranmk2]

I doubt this to be true. Apple has seemed to go all in on mini LED

MiniLED is at best a stopgap - it's like LCD's final hurrah before OLED, QD display and microLED take over

 

[cuiver]

Burn-in-gate?

?

Sharing the luminance load on two or more matrices will lessen the burn-in over time while increasing the overall brightness.

 

[reklex]

aren't they on miniLED now? this is weird.

 

[majkom]

Double pwm hell???

 

[Bug-Creator]

it's like LCD's final hurrah before OLED,

Gives me a throwback to the times when plasma TV were a thing....

Sure OLED does have it's pros but also so many cons that can't really be fixed that I wouldn't be surprised if the tech is almost forgotten by the end of the decade.

 

[imnotthewalrus]

I’ll be sure to check back in “several years” to see how it’s going.

/s

 

[bsamcash]

The Apple Watch has had OLED since 2015 and the iPhone since 2017, with no widespread reports of burn-in.

This is likely due to the fact that these displays are smaller and don't stay active for extended periods. A much larger display that is more likely to be used for hours or longer at a time will be at higher risk.

 

[chrisdazzo]

The Apple Watch has had OLED since 2015 and the iPhone since 2017, with no widespread reports of burn-in.

Valid point, but when you're actively using either an iPhone or Watch, the static on-screen elements are either much smaller or much less persistent than on a Mac with a Dock, menu bar, etc. Burn-in is only supposed to occur when viewing static content for hours at a time (e.g., news, sports) but I've seen it on my iMac often enough that it's concerning, though I do take steps to reduce said static content.

 

[terminator-jq]

The 2024 timeframe sounds about right for iPads. For the Macs, 2025 would lineup with a typical 3-4 year generation refresh. OLED would also allow apple to use a punch hole for the Mac display rather than a notch.