Apple's first touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro could give the OLED notebook market a significant boost, with shipments of the new laptops expected to reach between 1.2 million and 1.5 million units in 2027, according to a new report from TrendForce.

The research firm also expects global OLED notebook shipments to continue growing rapidly over the next few years, as Apple's entry encourages more PC manufacturers to expand their OLED product lineups.

Apple's OLED MacBook Pro Could Boost the Notebook Market

Apple recently unveiled its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models, featuring tandem OLED display technology previously introduced with the M4 iPad Pro in 2024.

Unlike conventional single-layer OLED panels, tandem OLED technology stacks two light-emitting layers to deliver higher brightness while retaining OLED's key advantages, including deep blacks, high contrast, and power efficiency.

Apple's adoption of OLED technology has been anticipated for several years. Previous supply chain reports indicated that Samsung Display was preparing to manufacture 14-inch and 16-inch OLED panels for the MacBook Pro, with estimated annual production capacity of 2 million to 3 million units.

TrendForce also predicted that Apple's transition to OLED would help accelerate adoption across the notebook industry.

Apple Could Ship 1.2–1.5 Million OLED MacBook Pros in 2027

According to TrendForce's latest forecast, Apple is expected to ship approximately 1.2 million to 1.5 million OLED MacBook Pro units in 2027.

Meanwhile, the global OLED notebook market is projected to grow significantly:

  ●2026: Global OLED notebook shipments are expected to increase by nearly 40% year over year.

  ●2027: Shipments are projected to grow by more than 40%.

  ●2028: Annual growth could reach a peak of 42.8%.

  ●2030: Global OLED notebook shipments are forecast to reach 46.6 million units.

TrendForce believes Apple's entry will encourage other manufacturers to prioritize OLED displays in their future product roadmaps.

Apple Could Accelerate OLED Adoption Across the PC Industry

Before Apple's entry, the OLED notebook market was driven primarily by Windows PC manufacturers, including Lenovo, HP, and ASUS. These companies have gradually expanded their OLED offerings across different price categories.

TrendForce expects Apple's arrival to bring additional momentum to the market by increasing consumer awareness and acceptance of OLED notebook displays.

The company's influence could also encourage competing manufacturers to accelerate OLED product development, potentially making the technology available across a wider range of laptops.

However, TrendForce cautions that the new MacBook Pro's premium pricing could limit initial demand.

The 14-inch OLED MacBook Pro starts at $2,899 in the U.S., and its availability alongside existing mini-LED models could make some customers less likely to upgrade immediately.

OLED MacBook Air Still Expected in 2029

While the MacBook Pro is making the transition to OLED first, Apple's MacBook Air lineup may have to wait several more years.

TrendForce currently expects the first OLED MacBook Air to arrive in 2029, later than its previously anticipated 2027 timeframe.

Several display manufacturers are reportedly competing to supply panels for the future laptop, including:

  ●LG Display

  ●BOE

  ●TCL CSOT

These companies are continuing to develop their OLED manufacturing capabilities as they compete for Apple's potential supply orders.

The delayed timeline suggests that Apple may prioritize OLED technology for its higher-end MacBook Pro lineup before bringing it to more affordable MacBook Air models.

OLED Notebook Market Could Reach 46.6 Million Units by 2030

Looking further ahead, TrendForce expects global OLED notebook shipments to reach 46.6 million units by 2030.

However, the market's growth rate is expected to gradually slow after reaching its projected peak of 42.8% in 2028. By 2030, year-over-year growth is forecast to decline to 30.8%.

Even with slower growth, OLED notebooks could become a much more significant part of the global laptop market over the next several years.

Apple's new MacBook Pro may therefore represent more than just another display upgrade. Its adoption of tandem OLED technology could help accelerate a broader industry shift toward OLED laptop displays.

Source: 9to5mac