Report: OLED MacBook Pro to Launch This Year

[n-evo]

Small displays are not that prone to burn ins.

Ah good to know.

 

[Dead0k]

Burn in on OLED isn't really an issue any more. The '3-5 year cycle' hasn't really applied to high-end panels for a while. With Tandem OLED tech (which Apple already debuted in the iPad Pro and will probably use with the MBP), the work is split between two layers. It significantly delays degradation of the organic components. For most users, the battery will likely wear out long before the screen shows any ghosting. It's unlikely there will be anything noticeable for at least 7 years. Then maybe some dimming during years 8-12 (peak brightness might be 20% less). Beyond that it's possible there will be ghosting.

Now, there could be ghosting sooner if people left the screen on all the time with static elements and high brightness, but who's doing that on a laptop?

So yes, this could be a shorter potential lifespan than a classic LED screen, but how many people are going to use the laptop for 12+ years? If using longer than that, people could deal with the potential ghosting and dimming (these are already bright screens so they will still be usable), or could use an external monitor.

doesn't Dock and menu bar are static images?

 

[pbau]

I hope it's today

 

[AeroEd]

Amazing way to shorten upgrade cycles since the OLED display will experience burn in after 3-5 years.

I’ve been on oled on a Windows gaming laptop for almost 8 years and no burn in. Bought an oled surface pro 11 and no burn in so far almost 2 years 🤣🤣

 

[krakenrelease]

doesn't Dock and menu bar are static images?

Can’t Dock be set to auto hide?

 

[Biro]

Honestly, if this MacBook Pro with OLED screen and M6 chips is being released later this year then Apple should skip the M5 Pro and M5 Max versions.

 

[neuropsychguy]

doesn't Dock and menu bar are static images?

Yes, if you don't auto-hide the Dock. Using Dark Mode also helps. However, there are some things that Apple does or can do to minimize the burn-in risk.

A Tandem OLED is the first line -- run two layers at lower voltage and lower heat. That helps protect the pixels and provides redundancy.

From a software side, Apple already does subtle pixel shifting (iPads, iPhones). This isn't noticeable, but it slightly moves where the more static pixels are. There is also sub-pixel monitor to track parts of the screen with more "on" time. Software can then undervolt that area of the screen slightly to compensate and protect lifespan. The Dock and Menu bar could also be slightly dimmed by the OS.

What this means is that burn-in is a minimal risk. If people are concerned about it, auto-hiding the Dock and using Dark mode will prolong the life of the pixels. But again, over a 7-10 year lifespan (estimated lifespan for a "professional" computer), it's not going to be a problem.

 

[richinaus]

Same here. My 14” M1 MBP has been a great machine but I’m looking forward to a slightly less bulky mobile.

same. But I will say my 14" M1 MBP [typing this on it] has been hands down the best computer I have ever owned.

I am hoping for something similar to the new Dell XPS in size.

 

[giebe]

Waited for this to upgrade my M1. Finally an update worth it

 

[dredlew]

Amazing way to shorten upgrade cycles since the OLED display will experience burn in after 3-5 years.

Can we stop repeating this burn-in myth? If it’s a quality display designed for productivity, there won’t be any burn-in issue. My own professional OLED monitor that’s used up to 16hrs per day can attest to that. It’s not an issue.

Apple once even had ghosting issues with some LCD displays in the past. I don’t think they want a repeat of that with OLEDs…

 

[Voyageur]

For the love of god remove that notch!

And where to hide the camera?

 

[svish]

Looking forward to seeing the redesigned MacBook. Think there will be a $200 increase at least. Hoping to see cellular capability.

 

[carlsson]

Isn’t this the fifth year in a row that “an OLED MacBook Pro will launch this year”...? 🤔

 

[VisceralRealist]

So this might break the record for the shortest amount of time between MacBook Pro releases?

As someone still on M1, I think I can hold out for a redesign.

 

[Scarpad]

The screen on my M4 air is pretty dang good

 

[ellsworth]

I'm guessing M5 Max will be skipped and they'll go straight to the M6 Max

 

[NJRonbo]

I'm guessing M5 Max will be skipped and they'll go straight to the M6 Max

Not at all. The M5 Max is expected to drop very shortly. Perhaps this week.

 

[tomtad]

Honestly, I’m just not feeling the hype. OLED is great for a phone or a TV, but on a 14 inch or 16-inch laptop, it’s just not the game changer Apple thinks it is. The current mini LED screens are already fantastic they're bright, the blacks are deep, and I don’t have to worry about burn in when I’m working.
At this size, the jump to OLED feels like diminishing returns. Unless the M6 chip is a massive leap, a screen swap isn't enough to make me drop a few thousand on a trade-in. I’ll stick with what I’ve got until there’s an upgrade that actually impacts my daily workflow.

Don’t know why you’re getting downvotes I fully agree. MiniLED is superior to OLED and I don’t want it to change

 

[TracesOfArsenic]

I'm sure you'll need a Pro Max variation to "run" these displays.

 

[code-m]

For the love of god remove that notch!

Hello DI fan. /s 😝

 

[grammatica]

Mark Gurman better not publish a last-minute report about how it's suddenly delayed.

 

[marte91]

Honestly, I’m just not feeling the hype. OLED is great for a phone or a TV, but on a 14 inch or 16-inch laptop, it’s just not the game changer Apple thinks it is. The current mini LED screens are already fantastic they're bright, the blacks are deep, and I don’t have to worry about burn in when I’m working.
At this size, the jump to OLED feels like diminishing returns. Unless the M6 chip is a massive leap, a screen swap isn't enough to make me drop a few thousand on a trade-in. I’ll stick with what I’ve got until there’s an upgrade that actually impacts my daily workflow.

Makes sense.

 

[patent10021]

It's been a while, but this will be the one with Blu-ray guys. Wallet is ready.

 

[zenmacx]

I'll be sticking this out with my M4 Nanotexture - I love the OLED on my iPad, but my laptop is basically all business so while it'd be nice to have, there would have to be other major upgrades to convince me.

I find the Nano-texture excellent on my 16” M4 Max, it’s peak MacBook Pro.

Although I also enjoy the OLED on my iPad, I do believe it’s over hyped for a laptop.

It seems that Apple has run out of ideas to drive sales of their already excellent laptops.

Worse, they’re recycling old “features” like the notch and adding them to their laptops, such nonsense.

 

[NJRonbo]

I don't know if this was something originally reported elsewhere, or if this is even true. But allegedly, Apple is going to be offering OLED version of the MacBook Pro in 14" form factor.

"MacBook Pro OLED: It's Coming into Focus! Samsung is anticipated to commence production of exclusive panels as early as May for a release at the end of 2026. Apple aims to produce 2 million units for these 14-inch devices, with only one version reportedly planned."

This is according to TechOverwatch who posted this on Facebook. Again, I am not claiming this is true, and I don't know if this has been previously reported.