MacBook Air to Get More Advanced LCD Panel Before Transition to OLED

Tuesday February 11, 2025 2:08 am PST by Tim Hardwick

Apple plans to release a MacBook Air with an improved LCD display in 2027, featuring Oxide TFT technology instead of the current amorphous silicon (a-Si) panels, according to a new report from The Elec.

macbook air blue green
The new display technology is said to be a significant upgrade over current MacBook Air screens. Oxide TFT LCD panels offer better power efficiency and improved performance compared to traditional a-Si displays, resulting in sharper images, smoother scrolling, and enhanced battery life.

The transition to Oxide TFT technology should also mean faster pixel response times and more consistent brightness across the screen. In practical terms, this should translate to reduced motion blur when watching videos or gaming, and more uniform lighting without the "clouding" effect sometimes visible on current LCD displays.

Samsung Display and BOE are developing manufacturing capabilities for the advanced panels, according to the Korean-language report. Samsung Display is installing new deposition machines at its A6 production line, while BOE is constructing its B16 line with similar capabilities. The companies are preparing to produce millions of units annually, but the exact production targets haven't been disclosed.

The LCD upgrade comes as Apple has reportedly delayed its OLED MacBook Air plans from 2027 to 2029 or later. Meanwhile, development of the OLED MacBook Pro with a thinner design reportedly continues as planned, with that model expected to launch in 2026 with an estimated production of 3 to 5 million units annually.

Related Roundup: MacBook Air

Tag: The Elec

Buyer's Guide: 15" MacBook Air (Caution), 13" MacBook Air (Don't Buy)

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Top Rated Comments

JippaLippa

13 months ago

The first macbook air with an oled in 2029 would be ridiculous...

Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

neuropsychguy

13 months ago

Considering how great the screens are already, it will be interesting to see if the improvements are noticeable.

Apple prioritizes display quality and brightness. There are no 15” OLED screens made that meet the current specs of the displays in Apple’s laptops. There are now some 13” ones (iPad Pro).

My guess is Apple is waiting to transition when there are good (color accuracy, power draw, brightness, etc.) and large enough displays for the larger screen laptops. Should Apple put in screens that are inferior in some ways just because they are OLED?

People saying it's just Apple dragging out the upgrades (which is a possibility) should at least back that up by showing what comparable OLED screens are available at sizes larger than 13".

Edit: If you don’t believe me, spending time doing research into the OLED screen specs of any 15-16” laptop and then compare to what’s currently in the MBP, or even MBA. Compare resolution, color accuracy and color consistency across the display, power draw, brightness, expected lifespan (although realistically OLED should outlast the typical lifespan on a laptop), etc. See how many match the displays Apple uses. I’ve not yet found one that matches on everything.

I’d love to have a link to one that exists, if you can find it, because I've spent some time looking and have not yet found anything comparable.

There are 13" screens that match (iPad Pro), but not larger ones yet. Maybe we'll start to see some this year.

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Lounge vibes 05

13 months ago

Considering how great the screens are already, it will be interesting to see if the improvements are noticeable.

Apple prioritizes display quality and brightness. There are no 15” OLED screens made that meet the current specs of the displays in Apple’s laptops. There are now some 13” ones (iPad Pro).

My guess is Apple is waiting to transition when there are good (color accuracy, power draw, brightness, etc.) and large enough displays for the larger screen laptops.

Edit: If you don’t believe me, look at the OLED screen specs of any 15-16” laptop can then compare to what’s currently in the MBP, or even MBA. Resolution, color accuracy, power draw, and brightness. See how many match the displays Apple uses. I’ve not yet found one that matches on everything. I’d love to have a link to one that exists though, if you can find it.

This point has been repeated atnauseam, the critics will never accept it.
“ Apple won’t switch to OLED until the panels are actually as reliable as LCD” isn’t as sexy and fun as “ Apple terrible, worst company on the planet, won’t use OLED, total rip-off”.
When the same people will be the first to point out every flaw with an OLED Mac what it actually *does* release.

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

VaruLV

13 months ago

Sorry but this is good news only for fanboys.
Apple are milking all they can from their customers while competiton uses OLED displays even if they are not tandem tech.
I dont care, leave the old screen tech, no need to pretend that you care about innovation and your customers, Apple, just leave the old LCD and make news when you finally upgrade Macbook Air to OLED sometime in 2030s.

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

EpleSmeple43

13 months ago

I'll be keeping my M1 MBA until an OLED model arrives

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)