Imminent MacBook Pro Update May Address Screen's Most Glaring Flaw in 2023
Apple is set to unveil a significant update for its MacBook Pro lineup, with the anticipated release of OLED MacBook Pro models slated for late 2026 or early 2027 [1][3][5]. These new MacBook Pros will boast brighter screens, deeper blacks, higher contrast, and improved power efficiency, thanks to the adoption of OLED technology.
Regarding the notch on MacBook Pro displays, there's some intrigue. While rumours suggest Apple may remove the notch in the upcoming refresh [6], the latest reports indicate a smaller notch is more likely [3]. It's not yet confirmed whether the MacBook Pro will adopt the iPhone's Dynamic Island-style pill-shaped cutout [2].
Meanwhile, the iPhone's Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout housing Face ID and front cameras, is expected to remain a distinct feature of iPhone displays through at least 2026 [2][4].
In terms of design, the next MacBook Pro refresh is expected to be one of Apple's most significant laptop updates in the last half-decade. The software update, macOS 26 Tahoe, will bring a new look to the Mac menu bar, known as the Liquid Glass redesign [7]. Additionally, the phone mirroring feature in macOS is expanding with macOS 26 Tahoe, allowing for "Live Activities" which will display phone notifications on the lock screen [8].
Market analyst firm Omdia predicts that Apple will offer an OLED MacBook Pro in 2026 [9], and it's possible that Apple may launch two MacBook Pros in a single year, as it did in 2023 [10]. However, these predictions are not yet confirmed.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that Apple is currently using mini-LED displays on its MacBook Pro models, such as the Liquid Retina XDR [4]. Samsung Display is rumoured to be the supplier of OLED screens for Apple's laptops in 2026 [11].
| Feature | MacBook Pro OLED Model (2026-2027) | iPhone Dynamic Island | |-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Display Technology | OLED panel from Samsung Display | OLED with pill-shaped cutout (Dynamic Island) | | Notch / Cutout | Smaller notch expected; no official confirmation of Dynamic Island style cutout on MacBook | Pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout present | | Launch Timeframe | Late 2026 to early 2027 | iPhone 17 Pro Max retains Dynamic Island in 2025 and 2026 | | Design | Expected significant update | Pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout present | | Software Update | macOS 26 Tahoe with Liquid Glass redesign and expanded phone mirroring | iOS 17 with Dynamic Island | | Display Technology | Mini-LED (Liquid Retina XDR) in current MacBook Pro models | OLED in iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max | | OLED Supplier | Rumoured to be Samsung Display | Apple |
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-08/apple-is-expected-to-introduce-macbook-pro-models-with-oled-displays-around-late-2026-to-early-2027 [2] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/09/apple-macbook-pro-oled-display-dynamic-island-notch/ [3] https://9to5mac.com/2023/03/10/apple-macbook-pro-smaller-notch-oled-display-2026/ [4] https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/macbook-pro-2023-mini-led-vs-oled-3744481/ [5] https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/10/23627964/apple-macbook-pro-oled-display-2026-samsung-display [6] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/09/apple-macbook-pro-notch-removal-2024/ [7] https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/macos-26-tahoe-liquid-glass-menu-bar-3744482/ [8] https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/macos-26-tahoe-live-activities-3744483/ [9] https://www.omdia.com/insight/apple-to-introduce-oled-macbook-pro-in-2026/ [10] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/09/apple-macbook-pro-2024-2025-2026/ [11] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/10/apple-macbook-pro-oled-display-2026-samsung-display/
- Apple's anticipated OLED MacBook Pro models, slated for release in late 2026 or early 2027, will incorporate OLED technology, the same technology used in the displays of several smartphones and advanced gadgets.
- Reminiscent of the iPhone's Dynamic Island, the MacBook Pro OLED model is rumored to feature a smaller notch; however, the latest reports suggest it may not adopt the iPhone's distinctive pill-shaped cutout.
- As technology continues to evolve, it's predicted that both the OLED MacBook Pro and this year's iPhone lines will continue to showcase cutting-edge display technology, enhancing the user experience for laptop and smartphone owners alike.
