Samsung is reportedly preparing OLED panels for the upcoming 2022 MacBook Pro

According to new information provided by The Elec, Samsung is preparing its production line for new OLED panels, which are expected to be in the works for upcoming MacBook Pro models.

It is expected that sometime in 2022 the market will see new models, 16 “and 17”, presumably powered by new M1X (or M2) chips .

It is unclear whether OLED panels will be mandatory or optional on new MacBook Pros.

This information builds on previous rumors that the MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16 are only expected to ship in October or November 2021 and reportedly have a mini-LED display similar to the one introduced on the iPad Pro 12.9 ( 2021) , which jumped to the M1 earlier this year.

Apple also appears to be planning a 10.9-inch iPad as well as a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with OLED panels, but considering the fact that the iPad Pro 12.9 mini LED just came out in May 2021. they will probably come out in a year or two.

TOO MANY OPTIONS?

While we always advise against taking rumors as gospel, there have been rumors over the years that Apple is developing a MacBook Pro series with OLED panels.

We don’t see much point in integrating an expensive feature into an affordable MacBook Air, and it’s really confusing if Apple is also planning a series of LED panels for the MacBook, but there are plenty of reasons the OLED MacBook is a great addition to its range of devices.

As with OLED TVs, laptops with OLED panels are able to offer brighter, more lifelike colors with superior black levels and contrast. This makes them a great choice for anyone working in the creative field, including video or photography, as well as digital artists, a key market for the MacBook Pro.

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OLED panels also tend to have less lag and blur as they work with a single panel, unlike classic LCDs, which require an additional LED panel for backlighting.

This single panel can also help make the device lighter and thinner, so you have to carry a lot less. But all these advantages are not without a rather significant caveat.

Apple Watch with OLED solutions

The Apple Watch has always used OLED technology. (Image credit: DenPhotos / Shutterstock)

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OLED panel burnout is a long-reported problem, usually resulting from prolonged and continuous exposure (although the problem has not been as relevant as of late as technical solutions have helped reduce the risk).

If Apple does indeed plan to introduce optional mini-LED and OLED panels to its laptops in 2022, that would mean the screen will no doubt be the next selling point for high-end laptops, as well as the development of the iPad Pro (which was launched earlier this year with a mini-LED panel).

There is no confirmation that traditional LCD panels will be completely replaced by new technology, so it seems likely that Apple could offer three display options, although given the similarities between mini-LED and OLED, this is unlikely.

However, the company has really started using OLED technology in devices like the iPhone and all Apple Watches since the launch of this line, so the manufacturer certainly knows how to work with them.

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Beyond the screens, the configurations of the upcoming laptops are sure to push some users to upgrade.

The M1X has been eagerly awaited since the original M1 chipset came out back in 2020, so while panel burnout might be cause for concern, the extra performance we expect to see in these highly anticipated devices isn’t true. This problem is likely to alienate potential customers.

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