2024 is the year MacBook displays go OLED

2024 is the year MacBook displays go OLED

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The sleek 2022 MacBook Air could be replaced in 2024 with one that has a gorgeous OLED display.
Photo: Apple

The first MacBook with an OLED display will launch in 2024, according to an Apple analyst. It will swap out the traditional LED for one that’s brighter and more colorful.

Two iPads with OLED displays will also reportedly debut in 2024.

MacBook finally getting an OLED display

OLED (short for “organic light emitting diode”) screens offer several advantages over older technologies, including more-vibrant colors, higher contrast, thinner hardware and increased power efficiency.

But OLED displays cost more to produce, which is why Apple has stuck with LCDs. It has begun improving these with mini-LED backlights though, starting with the 2021 MacBook Pro.

MacBooks will make the jump to the improved type of screen in about two years, according to analyst Ross Young from DisplaySearch. “It is looking increasingly likely that Apple will launch a 13.3″ OLED notebook in 2024,” he said Thursday via Twitter.

He also noted, “It is expected to be a MacBook Air, but could potentially become a MacBook, MacBook Pro or new category.”

Young is a display expert with contacts in companies that supply screens to Apple. These have enabled him to make some very accurate predictions.

Not ordinary OLEDs

There are concerns about putting OLED screens into MacBooks because they are more prone to burn in, and wear out more quickly that traditional LEDs. But there’s optimism these drawbacks can be overcome.

Young predicted Thursday, “All 3 new Apple OLED products in ’24 will use a tandem stack which boosts brightness & lifetimes & can reduce power consumption by around 30%. Also expected to have variable refresh which also improves battery life.”

Luke Dormhel contributed to this article.