Apple’s plans to launch a MacBook Air with an OLED display may be significantly delayed until 2027, according to a new report from The Elec. Supply chain challenges and high costs are reportedly slowing progress, casting doubt on the release timeline of what will be Apple’s first MacBook Air with an OLED display.

The shift to OLED displays brings pricing concerns, as these screens are expensive to produce, which could increase the retail price of the MacBook Air. Currently, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air is priced at Rs 99,900 in India – which is almost the cheapest variant available in the series. If you choose the new M3 chip, the Air will start at Rs 114,900.

That said, in the MacBook lineup, the MacBook Air is one of the most affordable offerings. The Air series is known for relative affordability. However, the potential increase in price of the device due to the OLED screen poses a challenge. Industry insiders warn that although OLED’s visual upgrades – higher brightness, deeper blacks and better power efficiency – are attractive, they may not be enough for consumers to justify a significant price increase.

Apple has reportedly sought more affordable OLED panels, although options are limited. Currently, Samsung Display and LG Display supply OLED screens for Apple’s iPad Pro, but only Samsung is expected to supply panels for the rumored 2026 OLED MacBook Pro. Meanwhile, Samsung is developing a 13.3-inch OLED panel for a potential MacBook Air model, although Apple’s shift to OLED across its product line appears to be a long-term project rather than an immediate one.

The delay of the OLED MacBook Air could also be influenced by the groundbreaking performance of the OLED iPad Pro in 2024. Apple initially estimated it would ship about 10 million OLED iPad Pro units, but dropped that estimate to between 6 and 7 million due to low sales. Live up to expectations. This has increased pressure on Apple to balance OLED screen quality with cost efficiency to avoid a repeat of slow sales.

If an OLED MacBook Air does come to market, it will likely feature a single-stack OLED configuration, which would be a simpler design than the dual-stack OLED planned for the future MacBook Pro. Both models will use hybrid OLED technology, combining glass substrate with thin-film encapsulation for better durability and display quality.

Ultimately, Apple wants to “compromise” with its suppliers to keep prices under control without compromising performance, while maintaining a clear distinction between its Air and Pro MacBook lines.