Sometime in the near future, practically all of Apple’s products are expected to cost more. This increase could be attributed to various factors such as Trump tariffs, international trade wars, or supply chain challenges. However, a major driver behind the potential price hikes is Apple’s reported plan to shift its entire lineup to prettier, though more expensive, OLED displays.

### OLED Displays Coming to Apple Devices

According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the 8.3-inch iPad mini display will be the first to receive this OLED upgrade. This makes sense considering that the $500 7th-generation iPad mini released in 2024 was primarily a specs bump to align it more closely with the newer iPad Air models equipped with the M3 chip and iPad Pros.

Gurman, citing his usual anonymous sources, suggests that this upgrade could increase the price of the compact iPad by $100 or more. At that price, you’re essentially paying for nearly the equivalent of Apple’s recent iPhone 16e—minus the ability to make calls.

### Apple’s ‘Pro’ Devices to Get OLED First

The once-fresh MacBook design is showing its age, and Apple fans have been eager for an OLED MacBook Pro for years. Gurman previously hinted that this screen upgrade might arrive in 2026.

For those unfamiliar, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) is a type of self-emissive screen technology known for producing deeper blacks and better contrast while consuming less power. The iPhone already uses a version of OLED, and the latest M4 and M5 iPad Pros utilize dual-layer OLED technology to deliver excellent visual quality without sacrificing brightness. (OLED screens are typically less bright than other display technologies.)

### Why OLED Screens Cost More

The downside to OLED is its higher manufacturing cost. For example, the iPad Pro with the M2 chip launched at $800 in 2022, while the M4 model started at $1,000. Producing OLED panels requires a dedicated manufacturing space and a fundamentally different design process than LCD factories. Although OLED has become more widespread in recent years—helping to reduce prices overall—OLED panels are still generally reserved for premium products.

### What This Means for Future Apple Products

The next-generation iPad Air is likely to upgrade from the M3 chip to the M4, possibly arriving in spring. However, it will still feature the typical IPS LCD display, which Apple refers to as Liquid Retina. The base-level iPad is also expected to retain the same screen technology for now.

That said, the iPad Air and MacBook Air may eventually receive the OLED treatment around 2027 or 2028. While the next generation of Air products might appear similar, they could be somewhat less expensive than current Pro models.

### Pricing and Consumer Options

Apple products have historically been priced higher than many competitors. While many PC laptop brands offer choices between OLED and non-OLED displays, Apple rarely provides this kind of variety. Visiting Apple’s website shows an 11-inch iPad Pro (M5) starting at $1,000, but adding extras like more storage, 5G connectivity, or a Magic Keyboard can quickly push the price to $1,500 or more.

Generally, the best way to save money on Apple products is to opt for the non-Pro versions. The latest iPhone 17, for instance, is the most feature-packed non-Pro smartphone Apple has ever released, starting at $800 compared to $1,100 for the iPhone 17 Pro.

### Sales Trends and Future Outlook

The MacBook Air remains Apple’s highest-selling MacBook. According to analyst firm Counterpoint, Apple has shipped approximately 14.9% more laptops than at the same time last year. However, these numbers have not yet reached the peak demand experienced during the pandemic when many people purchased Macs for working from home.

If Gurman’s report is accurate, Apple is betting that a fresh look with better displays will drive a new generation of products. While the next-generation MacBook may boast a more attractive OLED screen, don’t be surprised if that improved visual experience comes with a higher price tag.
https://gizmodo.com/apple-upgrading-ipad-air-macbook-air-oled-displays-report-bloomberg-2000678684