Apple's MacBook Pro could ditch the notch for a holepunch in 2026, switch to OLED

[zohaibahd]

TL;DR: Apple has some significant upgrades in store for the displays adorning the MacBook Pros. Not only is the company switching from mini-LED to OLED, but it's also finally planning to ditch the notch for something less conspicuous.

A new product timeline by research firm Omdia suggests that Apple intends to do away with the controversial notch cutout that has graced the MacBook Pro screens since 2021. Instead, it will implement a streamlined "hole punch" design to accommodate the webcam.

Although controversial, the notch was functional, allowing Apple to extend the display area closer to the chassis edges while providing a dedicated space for the webcam. Besides a cleaner, more uniform display, removing the notch should marginally increase the usable menu bar space across the top of the screen. It might also allow Apple to port the iPhone's Dynamic Island to MacBooks.

Click to enlarge

The roadmap reveals that this change will apply to both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models and go live in 2026 or 2027. It also shows that Macs will finally make the switch over to OLED. Interestingly, Apple aims to utilize a hybrid OLED variant akin to the technology it debuted on its latest iPad Pro.

Regardless of its implementation, OLED would deliver tangible benefits compared to mini-LED. Owners can expect higher brightness, better contrast with inky blacks, improved power efficiency for longer battery life, and more. The switch may also enable a slimmer chassis design for added portability.

Apple's OLED ambitions extend beyond the MacBook Pro, too. The forecast shows the compact iPad mini upgrading to OLED panels by late 2026, followed by the mid-range iPad Air roughly a year later. Meanwhile, the mainstream MacBook Air will complete the OLED migration in 2028, though the word is that it will retain the notch.

Rounding out the roadmap, Apple is working towards some form of foldable OLED device slated for 2028 or later. Details are scant other than that its overall screen size is listed as a whopping 18.8 inches.

Image credit: Jukanlosreve

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Apple's MacBook Pro could ditch the notch for a holepunch in 2026, switch to OLED

 

[Mr Majestyk]

Can't wait for MBP to hit $7-8K in top spec in Australia. Already top tier iPad Pro 13" is ~$4.3K sans keyboard and pencil.

 

[Felusy]

Would love to see more OLED screens on laptops overall. Can't wait to leave LCD behind, completely.

 

[OortCloud]

This incredibly petty article perfectly highlights just how stagnant Apples product line-up has become.

 

[Billybobjoey]

Hopefully their hybrid OLED minimizes burn in risk. I would imagine OLED burn in would be more prevalent on MacOS than on iPads and phones considering the dock and menu bar at the top being nearly always on screen. I love the mini-LED screen in my M1 Pro MBP, looks amazing and doesn't have that burn in risk.

 

[Mr Majestyk]

They whole chassis needs a total redesign. This is nth degree window dressing.