Two of Apple’s Most Popular Macs Could Finally Get One of the iPhone’s Best Features, but Not Anytime Soon

Apple is internally testing OLED displays for future MacBook Air and iMac models, although neither product is expected to receive the upgrade anytime soon.

Early development on OLED displays is reportedly underway for both machines, but Apple hasn’t set a release timeline. Future generations of the MacBook Air and iMac will continue to use LCD screens.

An updated M6-powered iMac is expected this week, while a refreshed MacBook Air is reportedly planned for early 2027. Neither model is expected to introduce major display changes.

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Apple’s OLED Transition Leaves Two Macs Behind

OLED technology offers several advantages over traditional LCD panels, including deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors.

Unlike LCD screens, which require a backlight, OLED panels illuminate each pixel individually. This lets them produce true blacks by switching pixels off entirely.

Apple already uses OLED displays across its iPhone lineup and is preparing to bring the technology to two more products this week: a redesigned touchscreen MacBook Pro and the next-generation iPad mini.

The MacBook Air and iMac, however, remain further down the company’s upgrade roadmap.

That’s particularly notable for the MacBook Air, Apple’s best-selling laptop, since competing Windows laptops have offered OLED displays for years.

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Price Remains the Biggest Hurdle

The MacBook Air sits in a more affordable position in Apple’s laptop lineup, making it harder to introduce expensive display technology without raising prices or cutting profit margins.

The iMac presents another challenge because its large 24-inch display requires significantly more OLED panel material than a typical laptop screen.

Manufacturing costs and production yields could therefore influence when Apple considers the technology practical for either product.

For now, there’s no indication that OLED versions are close to entering mass production.

Anyone planning to buy the upcoming M6 iMac or next year’s MacBook Air should expect the same underlying LCD display technology found in today’s models, rather than waiting for an OLED upgrade that has no confirmed release window.