Apple could introduce an all-new 13.8-inch OLED MacBook model in 2029, potentially creating a new product tier between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, according to an updated product roadmap from research firm Omdia.
The company’s latest roadmap sandwiches a new 13.8-inch MacBook between the planned timeline for the Air and Pro models. The surprise model would use a single-stack hybrid OLED panel, rather than the more sophisticated tandem OLED technology expected in upcoming MacBook Pro OLED models, which are expected to launch later this year or early next year.
It seems this prediction didn’t come out of nowhere either. According to a June report from ZDNet KoreaApple surveyed Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE for information regarding a 13.8-inch MacBook OLED panel earlier this year. At the time, the general assumption was that it would likely be part of Apple’s work on the first OLED MacBook Air, expected in 2028 at the earliest.
However, looking at Omdia’s latest roadmap, the OLED MacBook Air is noticeably absent, having been replaced by the 13.8-inch OLED machine in a separate “new” product category. The new model is expected to feature an LTPO+ backplane, integrated touch sensing, an under-panel camera, and a color filter integrated into the OLED encapsulation layer.
Omdia believes that it is still too early to know for sure which display manufacturer will supply panels for the device, but the company believes that it could potentially become an important mainstream MacBook product, positioned between the LCD MacBook Air and the high-end OLED MacBook Pro.
Meanwhile, the MacBook Air line continues to use LCD displays until 2030.
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Of course, Apple’s OLED mass adoption plans could change, and Omdia itself cautions that its roadmap is based on current market expectations. Based on that alone, it could be adjusted at any time based on OLED manufacturing capacity, component costs, and Apple’s broader product strategy. Plus, this is the first time we’ve heard of an entirely new MacBook line, and it’s still been three years. So, with due caution, file this one under “wait and see”.
