Recent leaks reveal significant advancements in Apple’s display technologies, including a shift to OLED for iPads and MacBooks. A new iPad mini with an 8.4-inch OLED display is expected in 2026, alongside an OLED refresh for the MacBook Pro. By 2027, the iPad Air will also adopt OLED technology. Future innovations hint at a foldable device with an 18.8-inch LTPO OLED screen, while a foldable iPhone could debut by 2026.
Exciting Developments in Apple’s Future Display Technologies
Recent leaks have unveiled some thrilling insights into the display technologies that are set to revolutionize Apple’s iPads and MacBooks, including a significant shift towards OLED technology across the entire product lineup. Additionally, a remarkable foldable device featuring an 18.8-inch screen is anticipated to make its debut in the coming years.
Renowned leaker Jukanlosreve has returned, offering a detailed roadmap that outlines the display advancements planned for future Apple releases, with a notable absence of iPhone-related updates. This roadmap covers a timeline from 2022 and extends through to 2030, shedding light on the expected screen features of upcoming iPads and MacBooks.
The Transition to OLED: iPad Mini and MacBook Pro Updates
As we look ahead, 2025 is predicted to be a relatively quiet year for new tablet and laptop launches, mirroring the trends seen in 2023. However, 2026 promises to be a game-changer, marked by the introduction of a new iPad mini that will debut with OLED technology. This new model will feature a slightly larger 8.4-inch display while retaining a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Apple is also expected to slim down the bezels, maximizing the screen real estate without changing the overall dimensions of the device.
In the same year, Apple is poised to refresh its MacBook Pro lineup, following the recent launch of the MacBook Pro M4. This update will see OLED technology replace the current mini-LED displays, a long-awaited enhancement. The design is also set to evolve, with the existing notch being replaced by a more subtle punch-hole, akin to the design seen in contemporary Android smartphones. The display sizes are expected to grow slightly, moving from 14.2 and 16.2 inches to 14.3 and 16.3 inches, with slimmer bezels allowing for this increase.
Looking Ahead: Foldable Devices and Future Innovations
Fast forward to 2027, and the iPad Air is slated to be the star of the show. Following the trend set by the iPad mini and iPad Pro, it will transition from LCD to OLED technology, maintaining a 60 Hz refresh rate as Apple looks to keep the 120 Hz feature exclusive to its Pro models. This iteration of the iPad Air is expected to feature larger screens measuring 11 and 13 inches, compared to the current sizes of 10.9 and 12.9 inches.
The timeline for future product releases becomes less defined after this point, with the roadmap indicating the launch of the iPad Pro and MacBook Air between 2028 and 2030. This timeline suggests that while new models may appear before 2028, significant advancements in display technology are not anticipated until then.
The forthcoming iPad Pro, expected to launch in 2028 or later, will likely retain its Hybrid OLED technology, featuring LTPO TFT for adaptive refresh rates and RGB Tandem for enhanced lifespan, brightness, and energy efficiency. Additionally, it is expected to introduce a polarizer-free design, which could further enhance color accuracy and brightness.
During this timeframe, the MacBook Air is expected to evolve to resemble the current MacBook Pro, as its LCD display transitions to OLED. The design will also see the removal of the bar above the screen, allowing for a notch that houses the webcam, thereby increasing the display size from 13.6 and 15.3 inches to 13.8 and 15.5 inches.
Lastly, the roadmap hints at an exciting foldable device featuring a 18.8-inch LTPO OLED screen without a polarizer. While details remain scarce, the device is speculated to function as a tablet, laptop, or monitor. Notably, this roadmap suggests that a foldable iPhone may emerge in a smaller format by 2026, but further information on this remains limited.