TrendForce has released a new forecast outlining Apple’s trajectory in the premium laptop market, projecting that the company will ship between 1.2 million and 1.5 million units of its new OLED MacBook Pro in 2027. This estimate follows Apple’s recent official announcement of the device, which marks the first time the company has integrated a touchscreen display into its Mac lineup.
OLED Display Technology and Market Impact
The new MacBook Pro utilizes tandem OLED technology, a method Apple previously introduced with the M4 iPad Pro in 2024. This approach stacks two OLED layers to achieve higher brightness levels while preserving the deep blacks and high contrast ratios characteristic of OLED panels. The technology also aims to maintain the power efficiency that has long been a selling point for OLED screens.
Until now, the OLED notebook sector has been dominated by Windows-based manufacturers such as Lenovo, HP, and ASUS. These companies have gradually expanded their OLED offerings across various price points. TrendForce notes that Apple’s entry into this space is expected to provide additional momentum to the market. The company’s involvement is likely to encourage other brands to prioritize OLED models in their product roadmaps and strengthen consumer acceptance of the technology.
Global OLED notebook shipments are projected to grow nearly 40% year-over-year in 2026, followed by another increase of more than 40% in 2027. This growth is partly driven by Apple’s expected adoption of the technology, which could pave the way for broader OLED adoption in notebook displays.
Supply Chain and Pricing Dynamics
Despite the positive outlook, TrendForce highlights factors that could temper near-term replacement demand. The new MacBook Pro carries a premium starting price of US$2,899 for the 14-inch model. Additionally, the device is initially available alongside existing Mini-LED models, which may split consumer interest and slow the transition to OLED for some buyers.
Supply chain developments have been closely monitored as Apple prepares for mass production. Earlier reports indicated that Samsung Display was preparing to begin mass production of 14-inch and 16-inch OLED panels for the MacBook Pro in the second quarter of 2026. At that time, estimates suggested an annual output of 2 to 3 million units.
Looking further ahead, TrendForce has updated its roadmap for Apple’s OLED adoption. While earlier predictions suggested the MacBook Air might receive OLED displays in 2027, the firm now expects this transition to occur in 2029. LG Display, BOE, and TCL CSOT are currently competing to become display suppliers for the upcoming OLED MacBook Air model as they continue to develop their manufacturing capabilities.
TrendForce also projects that global OLED notebook shipments will reach 46.6 million units by 2030. Year-over-year growth is expected to slow to 30.8% by that time, following a peak of 42.8% in 2028. The firm’s analysis underscores the significant role Apple is expected to play in shaping the future of the OLED notebook market over the next several years.
Source: 9to5Mac
