Rumor: Apple plans cheaper OLED MacBook without notch, roadmap points to new models

Following the successful launch of the MacBook Neo ($689 on Amazon) this spring and the upcoming launch of the MacBook Ultra, Apple is reportedly already working on the next expansion of its MacBook lineup. According to the latest information from the analysts from Omdia, Apple plans to to launch a MacBook with a 13.8-inch OLED touchscreen toward the end of 2028 or early 2029, which is expected to be positioned between the more affordable MacBook Air with an LCD and the more expensive MacBook Pro with a tandem OLED panel.

However, this might not just be a more affordable MacBook Pro alternative, but possibly an ultralight MacBook featuring several innovations, led by a webcam that’s hidden behind the OLED panel, without any notch or punch hole. The MacBook with a foldable display, on the other hand, is said to have been scrapped, as was a planned model with a screen size of either 14.3 or 16.3 inches. Surprisingly, according to information from Omdia, the MacBook Air will continue to be sold with an LCD display rather than an OLED panel at least until 2030.

The MacBook Pro with a Mini-LED display is expected to continue being sold at least through 2028, alongside the OLED MacBook Pro or MacBook Ultra, which is set to be offered with a 14.3-inch and a 16.3-inch tandem OLED display. This panel is reportedly capable of covering 95 percent of the BT.2020 color space. Omdia analysts add credibility to earlier rumors that the MacBook Ultra will still be equipped with the Apple M5 Pro and M5 Max, rather than new chips based on the Apple M6.