Apple is currently playing around with new screen technology for its most popular desktop and lightweight laptop computers. According to a recent report by Mark Gurman, the company is actively testing out prototypes of the iMac and the MacBook Air equipped with OLED screens. While these displays promise better colors and darker blacks, shoppers waiting for a big visual upgrade will need to wait a few more years before these devices actually hit store shelves.
New models are arriving soon without the upgraded screen panels
The company will focus on its higher-end machines first. We expect to see a touch-enabled OLED laptop at the upcoming Pro and Tell special event on October 28. In the meantime, standard versions of everyday computers will continue using normal screens. An updated desktop computer without the new panel technology should launch in the coming days. After that, a refreshed lightweight laptop is on the schedule for early 2027.
While internal testing is happening right now, supply chain experts believe the release of any OLED Mac outside the Pro family is still far away. Early rumors hinted at a release sometime in 2027, but recent forecasts show the timeline has changed. Analysts now expect these new models to finally reach consumers in 2029. Until then, buyers can still enjoy speed improvements from new chips, even if the screen looks the same as before.
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