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Rumors that Apple wants to switch the MacBook Pro series to OLED technology have been circulating for several months. Now it is reported that the change will be significantly delayed.
It was originally reported that Apple would introduce the first MacBook Pro models with OLED screens in 2025. Now it is claimed that the changeover will be delayed. However, an exact timetable is not known. Previously it was said that Apple had canceled an OLED display for the iPad Air 2022 due to technical concerns. However, it also seems to be a question of cost. Now the professional notebook is also said to be affected. Loud According to The Elec, Apple has discussed a two-stack tandem structure with Samsung and LG. This involves stacking two red, green and blue emission layers side by side, doubling brightness and improving longevity. But there is a catch - the cost doubles. Aside from the fact that two panels logically cost more than one, there is the added problem that production costs also increase.
MacBook Pro & iPad: When will Apple switch to OLED technology?
The two-layer OLED panel, for example, requires a thin-film transistor that supports fast electron movements. To achieve this, the production line must use low-temperature polycrystal oxide (LTPO), but this requires 15 to 16 mask steps, compared to seven for normal oxide TFT. According to The Elec, Apple will use normal oxide TFT for its first OLED iPads to save costs. However, in order for the panel to have a sufficiently high resolution, so-called protection circuits are needed, which in turn incurs additional costs. Regardless, LG is said to have received orders from Apple for an OLED iPad Pro, which is expected in late 2023 or early 2024. Whether and when Apple will actually switch completely to OLED technology remains to be seen, of course. (Photo by BirdBigStock TH / Bigstockphoto)
