Apple Set to Revolutionize iPads and MacBooks with Overdue Upgrades: iPad Mini 8 Leads the Charge

For some time now, top-tier MacBooks and more affordable iPads have been in dire need of OLED screens. iPhones have been equipped with this technology for nearly ten years, and considering its maturity, the absence of OLED in these devices is quite puzzling. Fortunately, this may soon change.

According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is currently testing OLED screens for upcoming models of the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad mini. This development suggests that these devices might soon align with the recent versions of the iPad Pro, which adopted OLED with the launch of the iPad Pro M4 last year.

Additionally, there are rumors that the next major redesign of the MacBook Pro, expected around late 2026, will mark the transition from LCD to OLED for the MacBook lineup.

Early Adopters of OLED Technology in Apple’s Lineup

Gurman suggests that the iPad mini 8 will be the pioneer in Apple’s transition to OLED, potentially launching as early as next year. Although Apple’s choice to prioritize the iPad mini may seem unusual, its smaller size could be a factor in this strategic decision.

There have been reports of production challenges with OLED screens, which have caused delays. Thus, starting with the smaller 8-inch displays, similar in size to the current iPhones, could be an effective strategy to maintain progress in the transition to OLED. Moreover, with the iPad mini 7 being released a year ago, the timing seems ripe for an upgrade by the time the rumored OLED MacBook Pro makes its debut.

The transition might not occur as swiftly for the iPad Air or MacBook Air M5, both anticipated to refresh in early 2026 and expected to retain their LCD displays, according to some reports.

Regarding the entry-level iPad, there appears to be no immediate plans to abandon the LCD. This aligns with its position as the last to receive technological upgrades, as seen with the slow adoption of the USB-C port, which only reached this model with the launch of the 10th generation iPad in 2022.

Furthermore, since OLED remains a premium product, it makes sense for the most budget-friendly model to delay implementation until costs decrease sufficiently to avoid a substantial price increase.

Advantages of OLED Technology

You might be wondering about the benefits of switching to OLED. While LCD technology isn’t inherently flawed, OLED offers several significant advantages that are causing excitement among consumers. These include superior color quality and contrast, particularly with true blacks, and better viewing angles compared to LCD screens.

OLED’s thinner profile is another significant benefit. Unlike LCDs, which require multiple layers including a large backlight to illuminate the display, OLED pixels emit their own light and can be applied directly onto the glass substrate. This allows for thinner, lighter devices without the bulky liquid crystal layer that can create undesirable effects under pressure.

While OLED might raise concerns about screen burn-in, manufacturers like Apple have developed methods to mitigate this issue effectively. Soon, you’ll be able to see the benefits of OLED for yourself as more Apple devices adopt this technology.

Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

• The next-gen iPad Pro is rumored to feature a vapor chamber cooling system — here’s the latest
• With Windows 10 nearing end-of-life, Mac sales surge — here are 5 MacBooks I recommend
• Testing the M5 MacBook Pro: Is Apple finally serious about gaming?