MacBook Delay

Why is Apple making us wait until 2026 for OLED MacBooks? What's the holdup?

A man working on a MacBook in a modern office space, with a view of a city skyline through the window
Photography by Mimi Thian on Unsplash
Published: Wednesday, 20 November 2024 06:10 (EST)
By Liam O'Connor

If you’ve been holding out for a shiny new MacBook Pro with OLED technology, you might want to sit down for this one. Apple, the tech giant that’s always pushing the envelope, is apparently hitting the brakes on OLED MacBooks until 2026. But why the delay? And what does this mean for those of us itching for an upgrade?

While other PC manufacturers are already jumping on the OLED bandwagon, Apple seems to be taking its sweet time. According to a report from Presse-citron, Apple is waiting until 2026 to introduce OLED displays to its MacBook Pro lineup. So, what’s the deal? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this decision.

Why the Wait?

First off, Apple is known for its meticulous attention to detail. They don’t just slap the latest tech onto their devices for the sake of it. No, they wait until they can perfect it. OLED displays, while offering stunning visuals and deeper blacks, come with their own set of challenges. For one, OLED screens are more prone to burn-in compared to traditional LCDs, and Apple wants to ensure that when they do make the switch, it’s flawless.

Another reason for the delay could be supply chain issues. OLED panels are still relatively expensive and harder to produce in large quantities. Apple, being the perfectionist it is, likely wants to ensure that when they do roll out OLED MacBooks, they can meet the massive demand without sacrificing quality.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re someone who’s been eagerly waiting for an OLED MacBook, this news might be a bit of a bummer. But here’s the silver lining: by the time 2026 rolls around, the technology will be more refined, and you’ll likely get a MacBook that’s not only visually stunning but also more durable and reliable than if Apple rushed it out the door.

In the meantime, Apple’s current MacBook lineup is nothing to scoff at. The latest MacBook Pros with M1 and M2 chips are powerhouses in their own right, offering incredible performance, battery life, and display quality. Sure, they might not have OLED screens yet, but they’re still some of the best laptops on the market.

Should You Wait?

So, should you hold off on buying a new MacBook until 2026? That depends. If you’re someone who absolutely needs the latest and greatest tech, and you can’t live without those deep OLED blacks, then maybe waiting is the right move for you. But if you’re in need of a new laptop now, the current MacBook lineup is more than capable of handling anything you throw at it.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what you value most. If you can wait, you’ll likely be rewarded with a MacBook that’s even better than what’s available today. But if you need a new machine now, don’t hesitate to pull the trigger. Apple’s current offerings are still top-notch.

The Bottom Line

Apple’s decision to delay OLED MacBooks until 2026 might be frustrating for some, but it’s likely the right move in the long run. By waiting, Apple can ensure that the technology is perfected and that they can meet the high demand for their products. In the meantime, the current MacBook lineup is still one of the best options on the market, even without OLED.

So, whether you decide to wait or upgrade now, rest assured that Apple’s got something amazing in store for the future. And who knows? Maybe by 2026, we’ll be looking at even more groundbreaking innovations from the tech giant.

PC & Laptops