Apple Reportedly Planning All-New MacBook Model Between Air and Pro

Apple may soon unveil a fresh 13.8-inch OLED MacBook model, potentially establishing a new product tier between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, according to a revised product roadmap from research firm Omdia. The firm's latest timeline places the new 13.8-inch MacBook between the anticipated time frame for the Air and Pro models.

This model is reportedly to employ a single-stack hybrid OLED panel, as opposed to the more advanced tandem OLED technology slated for the forthcoming OLED MacBook Pro models, which are slated for release either later this year or early next year.

This prediction appears to have some merit, as Apple reportedly consulted Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE in early 2023 about a 13.8-inch OLED MacBook panel. At the time, the prevailing belief was that it was likely part of Apple's plans for the first OLED MacBook Air, slated for release by 2028 at the earliest. However, Omdia's latest roadmap now replaces the OLED MacBook Air with the 13.8-inch OLED model, positioning it in a distinct product category.

The new device is anticipated to feature an LTPO+ backplane, integrated touch sensing, an under-panel camera, and a color filter incorporated into the OLED encapsulation layer. While Omdia cannot yet pinpoint which display manufacturer will supply panels for the device, the firm believes it could become a significant mainstream MacBook product, bridging the gap between the LCD MacBook Air and the premium OLED MacBook Pro.

In contrast, the MacBook Air line is projected to continue using LCD displays through 2030. It's important to note that Apple's comprehensive OLED adoption strategy could still evolve, and Omdia's roadmap is predicated on current market projections. Therefore, this information should be viewed with caution, and it may be updated as OLED manufacturing capacity, component costs, and Apple's broader product strategy undergo changes.

This is the first time any details about a completely new MacBook line have been revealed, and it is still three years away. As such, this story should be treated as "wait and see."