Samsung Display reportedly secured Apple’s first OLED panel order for the MacBook Pro, marking a major milestone in the transition to OLED with Apple’s Mac lineup from 2026.
Does OLED mean a dynamic island?
According to Omdia (via Digitimes), Apple could switch to OLEDs on MacBook Pros next year, with Samsung displays supplying the panels, allowing a shift to pill-shaped camera cutout designs. This means that the MacBook Pro features Dynamic Island, which was first introduced on the iPhone. Anyway, MacBook Pro users will be happy that the “notch” will disappear.
As Samsung focuses on fulfilling MacBook orders, China’s BOE is targeting openings in the iPad supply chain. The Korean outlet deal site reports that BOE, which uses LTPO technology to invest in 8.6 generation OLED production, has established itself as a potential supplier of future iPad models. The LTPO is currently used on iPad Pro displays and is tailored to the process capabilities of the BOE.
BOE’s entry could help Apple increase supply chain competition and apply pricing pressure to existing Korean suppliers. LG Display has not committed to OLED production in the 8.6th century, and its market share is projected to decline as Apple diversifies its panel sourcing.
Meanwhile, BoE aims to infiltrate Apple’s ecosystem via iPad, as the notebook market is less accessible due to the existing relationship between major PC brands and Samsung displays.
However, there are still technical hurdles. Samsung and LG began supplying OLED iPad panels using 6th century lines in 2024, but BoE still does not meet Apple’s quality standards.
There have been reports that Apple is working with BOE to support development, but due to LTPO requirements, production victory could likely be limited to iPad Pro models. The iPad Air and Mini models are not expected to use the same technology.
If BoE can meet Apple’s requirements, it could shift the dynamics of Apple’s favorable OLED panels, reduce costs, and reduce control over Korea’s premium OLED supply.
Apple will next release the M5-Generation MacBook Pro, followed by a redesigned MacBook Pro in 2026.
