Apple will rely exclusively on Samsung Display for the production of OLED touchscreens for its upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models, according to a new Korea-based report. The Elect.
Citing industry sources, the publication said the 14-inch and 16-inch panels will be produced on Samsung’s 8.6-generation OLED line in Asan, South Chungcheong Province of Korea. The estimated initial supply would be 2.5 million panels, with mass production expected to begin around August.
Apple reportedly did not consider LG Display or China’s BOE Technology Group for panel development due to yield and efficiency concerns, as well as already busy OLED production lines, making Samsung the sole supplier by default. Samsung reportedly secured its position by working closely with Apple from the start and adapting its panel specifications and manufacturing capabilities during development.
BloombergMark Gurman has repeatedly claimed that 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with an OLED touchscreen are expected to launch between late 2026 and early 2027. However, his most recent update on the subject indicates that early 2027 is now more likely due to the global chip shortage.
An OLED panel with touchscreen support is just one aspect of a major refresh planned for high-end MacBook Pro models, with other rumored features including M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a dynamic island (i.e. no notch), and a slimmer design. Laptops could be branded “MacBook Ultra,” and macOS 27 will include a laptop-ready touch interface.
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