Apple's Next MacBook Pro Could Help Make OLED the New Premium Laptop Standard

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) could help accelerate the shift toward OLED laptop screens as demand for premium AI-powered PCs grows, according to a Friday report from Counterpoint Research.Analysts expect OLED notebook display shipments to surge 50% in 2026 and another 24% in 2027, driven by Apple’s anticipated adoption of OLED technology in its next-generation MacBook Pro models.The growth comes despite weakness in the broader notebook display market, where shipments are expected to decline 3% in 2026 due to rising memory costs and higher manufacturing expenses.OLED Gains Ground As MiniLED Demand WeakensCounterpoint Research forecasts an 11% increase in advanced notebook display shipments in 2026, reflecting growing demand for premium screen technologies.OLED is expected to account for 75% of advanced notebook display shipments in 2026, up from 56% in 2025.Meanwhile, MiniLED notebook display shipments are projected to fall 38% in 2026 and another 60% in 2027.Analysts attribute the shift to OLED’s thinner design, better image quality and improving cost competitiveness. See More: Top Value Stocks Analysts See Strong Growth Through 2030Counterpoint Research projects OLED notebook panel shipments will grow at a compound annual rate of 26% between 2024 and 2030. Revenue is expected to grow even faster, at 35% annually.The stronger revenue outlook suggests rising average panel values alongside higher shipment volumes.Counterpoint Research Associate Director David Naranjo expects Apple’s anticipated adoption of OLED displays and growing demand for premium AI PCs to accelerate the transition.However, Naranjo said sustained growth will depend on manufacturers delivering better display performance at competitive prices.Advances in tandem OLED technology, which improves brightness, power efficiency and panel lifespan, could strengthen adoption.Meanwhile, improvements in manufacturing processes and production scale are expected to reduce costs and support broader OLED adoption through 2030.The outlook suggests premium displays could remain a key growth opportunity for manufacturers even as the broader notebook market faces demand pressures.Price ActionAAPL Stock Price Activity: Apple shares are trading lower by 1.76% at $334.43 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.Photo via Shutterstock Read Also: Could AI Agents Cut Apple Out of the Checkout? Analyst Flags Meta’s Muse Threat