The long-awaited OLED MacBook Air has reportedly been delayed beyond 2027 now

Apple was earlier expected to launch the OLED MacBook Air in 2027. However, according to the latest report, the launch may have now been pushed beyond 2027.

In Short

• OLED MacBook Air launch delayed due to supply issues
• OLED screens could increase MacBook Air prices
• Apple seeks affordable OLED panels, Samsung likely supplier

Apple’s plan to launch a MacBook Air with an OLED display by 2027 could be significantly delayed, according to a new report from The Elec. Supply chain challenges and high costs are reportedly slowing the progress, casting doubt on the release timeline for what would be Apple’s first MacBook Air with an OLED display.

The shift to OLED displays brings pricing concerns, as these screens are costly to produce, which could hike up the retail price of the MacBook Air. Currently, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air is priced in India at Rs 99,900 –– which is almost the cheapest variant available in the series right now. If you go for the newer M3 chip, then the Air will cost you at a starting price of Rs 114,900.

That said, in the MacBook lineup, the MacBook Air is one of the most affordable offerings. The Air series is known for relative affordability. However, the possible increase in the device’s pricing because of the OLED screen poses a challenge. Industry insiders warn that while the visual upgrades of OLED — higher brightness, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency — are appealing, they might not be enough to justify a substantial price increase for consumers.

Apple has reportedly sought more affordable OLED panels, though options are limited. Currently, Samsung Display and LG Display supply OLED screens for Apple’s iPad Pro, but only Samsung is expected to supply panels for the rumoured 2026 OLED MacBook Pro. Meanwhile, Samsung is developing a 13.3-inch OLED panel for the potential MacBook Air model, though Apple’s shift to OLED across its product lines appears to be a long-term project rather than an immediate one.

OLED MacBook Air delays might also be influenced by the underwhelming performance of the OLED iPad Pro in 2024. Apple initially estimated it would ship around 10 million OLED iPad Pro units, but that forecast dropped to between 6 and 7 million as sales didn’t quite meet expectations. This has added pressure for Apple to balance the quality of OLED screens with cost efficiency to avoid a repeat of lukewarm sales.

If an OLED MacBook Air does make it to market, it will likely feature a single-stack OLED configuration, a simpler design than the dual-stack OLED planned for the future MacBook Pro. Both models would use hybrid OLED technology, combining glass substrates with thin-film encapsulation for improved durability and display quality.

Ultimately, Apple is looking for a “compromise” with its suppliers to keep prices in check without compromising on performance, maintaining a clear distinction between its Air and Pro MacBook lines.