Apple is working on a major upgrade for MacBook Pro. It will likely get an OLED panel with Dynamic Island

Apple is preparing a significant transformation for its MacBook Pro notebooks. According to analytics firm Omdia and DigiTimes, it will replace the current Mini LED panel with an advanced OLED display. At the same time, the notch in the upper part of the screen might disappear, replaced by a pill-shaped island in the style of Dynamic Island, known from iPhones 16.

End of the notch after five years of use

MacBook Pros have used a webcam notch since 2021, which some users have long criticized. Apple may now replace it with a smaller punch-hole featuring Dynamic Island functionality. The area around the camera could thus become interactive, displaying, for example, running timers, incoming call notifications, or music playback controls.

Analyst Lina Lin from Omdia confirmed that Samsung Display (SDC) will enter Apple’s supply chain for OLED panel production. The South Korean company has experience manufacturing OLED displays for iPhones and iPads.

OLED technology will bring higher contrast and lower consumption

The new OLED panel will offer a better contrast ratio, more vibrant colors, and reduced power consumption compared to current mini LED displays. The MacBook Pro currently achieves a brightness of 1,600 nits in HDR mode, and the OLED version could maintain or improve this parameter.

Gurman pushes back launch date to late 2026 and early 2027

Renowned journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg agency, in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, adjusted his predictions. He originally expected the arrival of OLED MacBook Pros during 2026, but now he has shifted the probable date to the period between late 2026 and early 2027. The reason for the delay is reportedly Apple’s decision to postpone the launch of models with M5 chips, which are expected to arrive next year.

First major redesign since the Apple Silicon era

The OLED MacBook Pro will be part of the first major design overhaul since 2021, when Apple introduced models with the M1 Max and M1 Pro chips. The notebook will feature a thinner and lighter design while maintaining high performance thanks to Apple M6 processors.

Apple has already performed two updates to the MacBook Pro portfolio in one year multiple times. In January 2023, it introduced models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, followed by versions with M3 processors in October of the same year. Theoretically, a relatively uninteresting M5 generation could arrive in January 2026, and more attractive M6 models with an OLED display in October 2026. However, users who want a truly significant upgrade should rather wait.

Are you looking forward to the MacBook Pro with an OLED display and Dynamic Island?

Sources: DigiTimes, MacRumors, Notebookcheck