Apple's OLED panels headed to MacBook Pro laptops are nearing mass production

Apple's long-rumored OLED MacBook Pro is on track for production despite ongoing delays, with reports suggesting a 2027 release.

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While initial leaks in 2021 hinted at a 2023 launch, recent supply chain updates from 9to5Mac, citing a report from Bloomberg and The Elec, now place the device's arrival in early 2027 due to ongoing DRAM shortages and component constraints.

The M6 MacBook Pro is expected to feature a thinner design, improved power efficiency, and potentially a touchscreen display, which, if true, will mark a major shift for Apple's premium laptop line. Perhaps the biggest upgrade, or at least the most noticeable at first glance, is reportedly the adoption of an OLED panel, which would bring Apple's premium line of laptops up to the latest-generation pixel technology.

"Samsung Display will start mass production of 8.6 generation OLED panels from next month at the earliest. The produced panels are expected to be used in Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models. This year's supply volume is estimated to be about 2 million units," reads the report

Despite the delay, the project remains a priority for Apple, with manufacturing partners already ramping up production, per The Elec. However, the DRAM shortage is reportedly affecting key components such as RAM and storage, further pushing back the release window.

As 2027 approaches, the OLED MacBook Pro could serve as a major redesign for the product line, or at the very least bring Apple up to date with the peak of pixel technology. For now, Apple continues to refine the product internally, with a final release likely to coincide with a broader MacBook Pro refresh cycle.

"Bloomberg's Mark Gurman is today reporting in his newsletter that Apple is facing some production issues due to the industry-wide memory shortages. Supply constraints mean that the MacBook Pro launch is slightly delayed, and possibly won't arrive until early next year," wrote Gurman

As always, take this information with a grain of salt as Apple hasn't confirmed anything, but given the history of the insiders, particularly Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, we can expect an OLED MacBook Pro in the near future.