Why Apple ditch mini-LED technology and go for OLED

In recent years, Apple has decided to use OLED screens in its smartphones. However, the company has introduced mini-LED technology to the latest iPad and MacBook models. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Apple abandoned its mini-LED plans and opted for OLED instead.

Current Apple Display Technologies: A Colorful Mix

Before we get into Apple’s decision to go with OLED displays, let’s take a look at Apple’s current lineup of display technology products.

Apple still uses built-in LCD panels in almost all iPad and MacBook models. The only iPhone without an OLED screen is the entry-level model – iPhone SE. This decision indicates that Apple views LCD technology as inferior.

But why does the $799 iPad Pro have an LCD screen? Why only the premium MacBook Pro 14, 16 and 12.9 iPad Pro have the advantage of a mini LED display? To increase the difference between it and cheaper options such as the iPad Air (2022).

However, it seems that Apple never intended to use Mini-LED displays in the long term. Because if the display format is not used in the most popular product, which accounts for the majority of sales, it is difficult to justify the investment in mini LED.

The end of the LED mini: Where is Apple headed?

The biggest problem with Apple’s current approach is that many products aren’t quite stuck at the entry level with an LCD screen. But instead of following the previous strategy of gradually introducing small LED screens, the company is once again taking the easy way and betting on Samsung.

I understand why this approach was necessary with the iPhone. After all, it’s the key to Apple’s strength, and failure in this area could be devastating. But with the current performance of Macs and iPads, I don’t see why Apple should abandon mini-LED.

The MacBooks 14 and 16 are some of the most impressive devices out there, usually praised for their screens. Problems with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro stem from its software, not its hardware. I can’t understand why Apple would abandon its own technology instead of perfecting it.

OLED vs Mini LED: What’s the Difference?

As a reminder, LCD screens are illuminated with one or more larger LEDs that are mounted either on the back or around the screen. In contrast, a small LED panel contains a large number of much smaller LEDs that facilitate the creation of locally dimmable zones, which in turn partially solves the biggest problem with LCD technology—light bleeding and insufficient black levels.