Abstract:
Market research organization TrendForce recently released a report stating that Apple’s new generation OLED version of MacBook Pro is expected to achieve shipments of 1.2 million to 1.5 million units in 2027. As the first product in the MacBook Pro series to adopt tandem OLED display technology, the launch of this new product is believed to further promote the development of the OLED notebook market and bring new growth momentum to the entire industry chain.
Apple recently officially released a new MacBook Pro using an OLED panel. The new machine is equipped with a tandem OLED display that supports touch operation. The 14-inch model starts at US$2,899, and the 16-inch model starts at US$3,399. The product is currently available for pre-order and is scheduled to be officially released on November 6.
TrendForce pointed out that while Apple is launching the OLED version of MacBook Pro, it will continue to sell existing mini-LED models. Since the OLED version is priced significantly higher, it may have a certain impact on some consumers' willingness to upgrade in the short term.
However, from an industry perspective, Apple's entry into the OLED notebook market is of great significance. In the past few years, the OLED notebook market has been mainly driven by Windows-based manufacturers such as Lenovo, HP and Asus. The addition of Apple is expected to further expand the market size and increase the market attention and acceptance of OLED technology in the high-end notebook field.
The report shows that despite the global laptop market declining for two consecutive years, OLED laptop shipments are expected to grow nearly 40% year-on-year in 2026 and continue to maintain a growth rate of more than 40% in 2027. As more and more manufacturers increase investment in OLED products, the technology is rapidly increasing market penetration.
In terms of supply chain, Samsung Display is currently the only supplier of Apple’s OLED MacBook Pro panels. It is reported that Samsung has earmarked the first phase of production capacity of the G8.6 generation A6 OLED production line in Asan Park, South Korea, to Apple. The new MacBook Pro has also become the first product to achieve mass production through Samsung's G8.6 generation fine metal mask (FMM) OLED production line.
TrendForce believes that the tandem OLED architecture and 254PPI pixel density place extremely high demands on the manufacturing process. Not only is production difficult, but it also pushes up material costs and yield control pressure. These factors have created a high technical threshold for suppliers.
At the same time, other display panel manufacturers are also continuing to promote relevant certification and evaluation work. However, Apple's strict technical specification requirements and Samsung's current first-mover advantage make latecomers face considerable challenges when entering the supply chain.
TrendForce further pointed out that LG Display, BOE and TCL CSOT are currently more inclined to invest resources in future OLED MacBook Air projects. According to current industry planning, MacBook Air with OLED display may appear on the market as soon as 2028.
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