Leaked files have exposed Apple’s next MacBook Air update, revealing a 2027 launch with a powerful M4 chip and an advanced Oxide TFT LCD screen. While the display upgrade promises improved efficiency and visuals, Apple’s OLED MacBook Air has been delayed to 2029, raising questions about its future.
A fresh rumor from The Elec states that Apple is planning to offer an upgraded MacBook Air with an LCD display in 2027. The display would use Oxide TFT technology instead of the present amorphous silicon (a-Si) panels.
Compared to the screens of the current MacBook Air models, the new display technology is supposedly a huge improvement. In comparison to conventional a-Si displays, oxide TFT LCD panels are more efficient and perform better, leading to clearer pictures, silkier scrolling, and longer battery life.
Improved uniformity of screen brightness and quicker pixel response times are two further benefits of switching to oxide TFT technology. The real-world implications of this include less blurring of moving images when playing games or watching films and more consistent lighting free of the “clouding” appearance that occasionally appears on modern LCD screens.
The Korean news source claims that Samsung Display and BOE are working on the production capabilities of the high-tech panels. The A6 assembly line at Samsung Display is getting new deposition machines, and the B16 line at BOE is getting new machines with comparable capabilities. Although the precise yearly production targets remain undisclosed, the corporations are gearing up to crank out millions of pieces.
With the rumored postponement of Apple’s OLED MacBook Air plans from 2027 to 2029 or later, the LCD upgrade coincides with that. Moreover, rumors have it that work is still underway on a smaller OLED MacBook Pro, with a projected launch year of 2026 and yearly manufacturing of 3–5 million units.
The new M4 chip identities for both the 13-inch and 15-inch models were revealed in the leaked macOS 15.2 files, which, along with the display upgrade, suggests a complete overhaul of the MacBook Air’s internals and visual technologies.
According to MacRumors, a private X account has revealed the M4 chip identifiers for the upcoming MacBook Air variants. This further proves that the device’s release is going to be earlier than anticipated.
The X user claims that Apple’s 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models will both employ the “T8132” chip. You may find this identity on the M4 chip, which is compatible with the latest MacBook Pro models and the OLED iPad Pro.
While developing macOS 15.2, Apple inadvertently included data for future MacBook Air models that have not yet been launched, dropping hints about “Mac16,12” and “Mac16,13” in the process. You can find the M4 versions of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air devices in both of these references.
Details about the new computers have been trickling out for some time, and now it seems like the launch could be happening very soon. Because the new MacBook Air models will look identical to the existing ones, we don’t think there will be a special announcement event.
Luis Gochoco is a seasoned managing editor and writer with over a decade of experience covering politics, technology, gaming, and entertainment news. With a keen eye for breaking stories and in-depth analysis, he has established himself as a trusted voice in digital journalism. Luis is one of the key forces behind the success of GameNGuide, contributing to 12 million views through engaging and high-traffic content. He also played a pivotal role in generating 8 million views on International Business Times, shaping the platform’s technology and gaming coverage.
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