Previously, rumor mills claimed that Apple will launch OLED MacBook Pro models in 2022 as Samsung Display had begun mass production of its 90Hz 14-inch and 16-inch OLED MacBook panels for the pro notebook.
Now, The Elec reports that Apple’s plan to launch OLED MacBook in 2025 has been postponed because of cost issues. Recently, Apple launched 2021 MacBook Pro models with a mini-LED display with 120Hz ProMotion tech.
Apple’s requirement of a double emission layer structure in OLED MacBook delays its launch
As per the report, the Cupertino tech giant wants to use a double emission layer structure in its future OLED MacBook models which is costly. The cost issues have forced the company to postpone the launch of the OLED MacBook beyond 2025.
The biggest obstacle for Cupertino in applying OLED has been the cost. It is attempting to applying a two stack tandem structure on the panel it procures from Samsung and LG.
The structure stacks two layers of red, green and blue emission layers, which doubles luminance and extends the panel’s life span. It also needs thin-film transistor (TFT) technology that acts as switches for the pixels.
Doubling the emission layer doubles material costs. The TFT will also need to support fast electron movement. This means low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) will be applied but this technology requires 15 to 16 masks during production, which further increases costs.
Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) is a self-emissive technology in which each pixel is its own light source which offers complete control over brightness and contrast. On the other hand, a sub-millimeter light-emitting diode (mini-LED) improves backlighting in an LCD. In comparison, OLED display delivers precision lighting for very detailed objects which is not possible with mini-LED. (via TechRadar)
Furthermore, Samsung explained that an OLED panel displays a more natural-looking image with a lower refresh rate than an LCD panel. Therefore, Apple is exploring advanced display tech in future OLED MacBook models. It is also reported that an iPad Air with OLED display will launch in 2022 or 2023.
