Apple’s planned release of a MacBook Air with an OLED display could experience significant delays, potentially pushing the launch beyond its initially expected 2027 timeframe, reported The Elec.
The report further revealed that the delay in launch is because of the pricing concerns and supply chain challenges as key factors behind the rumoured delay. It further emphasised that due to high manufacturing costs related to OLED displays, the price of the MacBook Air models will also be significantly high. This might lead to low demand for the laptop in the market.
Apple’s launch of the MacBook Air with an OLED display is facing delays beyond 2027.
Major hiccups in supply chain and pricing adjustments are the culprits. 🖥️📉 #Apple #MacBookAir pic.twitter.com/mc3ixcpRVV
— Ashish Bharti 🇮🇳 (@TheAshishBharti) November 8, 2024
The MacBook Air is widely considered Apple’s most popular Mac model. According to Canalys, Apple’s US Mac market share increased by 22% in the first quarter of 2024, likely driven by the launch of the new M3 MacBook Air models.
However, a recent report points to disappointing OLED iPad Pro sales this year, suggesting that the shift from LCD to OLED alone isn’t enough to attract consumers at the higher price point. The report reveals that while 10 million iPad Pro units were initially projected for 2024, that forecast was downgraded to 8.5 million earlier in the year and has now been further reduced to between 6 and 7 million units. OLED iPad Pro models start at $999 for the 11-inch version, reaching $1,299 for the 13-inch model.
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Another factor that could impact the launch of the MacBook Air with an OLED display is Apple’s supply chain. According to the report, Apple relies on just two OLED display panel manufacturers—LG Display and Samsung Display—making it challenging for the company to maintain lower prices.
Previous reports indicate that Samsung Display is working on a 13.3-inch OLED panel for a future MacBook Air, part of Apple’s broader strategy to transition all its product lines to OLED technology. The OLED MacBook Air is expected to use a simpler single-stack OLED configuration, while the MacBook Pro models will feature a more complex dual-stack design with two emission layers. Both models will incorporate hybrid OLED technology, combining glass substrates with thin-film encapsulation.
Apple’s MacBook Air OLED may be delayed until 2028 due to cost and supply chain issues. Previous rumors suggested 2027. #Apple #MacBookAirhttps://t.co/MbpQJ7VFA3
— ShechetAI (@Shechet_AI) November 7, 2024
Apple and its display partners are working to find a balance between cost and performance for future MacBook Air models. OLED technology, while offering advantages like increased brightness, deeper blacks, and improved battery life, could lead to higher costs. The challenge lies in negotiating a solution that maintains the performance gap between the Air and Pro lineups without significantly increasing prices.
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