Samsung to Begin Mass Production of Display Panels for First OLED MacBook Pro in May [Report]

Samsung Display is set to begin mass production on the world's first 8th-generation OLED line this May, with the output dedicated to Apple's first OLED MacBook Pro. The manufacturing schedule aligns with a targeted launch for the laptops in the fourth quarter of this year.



According to a new report from The Elec, Samsung will start inputting glass substrates for mass production into its A6 line starting in May. This facility is the first of its kind to be operational for IT-specific OLED panels. The production run will focus on 14-inch and 16-inch panels, with Samsung reportedly setting a shipment goal of approximately 2 million units by the end of the year.


The timing is critical for Apple's supply chain. Samsung prioritizes securing a stable inventory of panels before the subsequent module assembly phase begins. The report indicates that the display maker must start supplying the finished OLED components to Foxconn, Apple's primary assembler, beginning in the third quarter. This lead time is necessary to ensure sufficient volume for a holiday quarter release.

While the front-end panel production is ready to ramp up, the report notes that development for some module components is not yet finalized. Apple has reportedly been adjusting component designs to lower manufacturing costs, which has kept some parts of the assembly process in flux. Reliability testing for the final product also remains on the checklist before the device can be cleared for retail.

The move to OLED lines up with earlier reports of a massive Mac overhaul targeted for late 2026. Beyond just better contrast, the new display tech could enable a thinner design and possibly the arrival of a touchscreen, finally moving the high-end laptops away from the Mini-LED panels used in the current M5 and M4 models.

Samsung Display has been aggressively courting IT clients beyond Apple to maximize the efficiency of its new A6 line, targeting major laptop vendors like Dell and HP. However, for Apple's 2026 OLED MacBook launch, Samsung is expected to be the exclusive panel supplier. While Chinese rival BOE is also investing in 8th-generation OLED facilities and aims to start mass production in the second half of the year, it has not yet secured orders for this specific Apple device.


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