Samsung's cutting-edge UT One OLED panel could help future MacBook Pro cut power usage with 1 Hz mode (2025)

Rumours have been circulating for years that a future Apple MacBook Pro will feature an OLED panel, replacing the mini-LED display found on the current model (approx. $1,780 on Amazon). The first-ever MacBook Pro with an OLED display is expected to debut in 2026, with Apple reportedly opting for cutting-edge eighth-gen tandem OLED panels, primarily supplied by Samsung Display.

Samsung Display has unveiled its Gen 8.6 OLED panel, scheduled to enter mass production next year. The timing and specs align with earlier rumours surrounding the MacBook Pro, suggesting that this panel may have been designed with Apple’s flagship laptop in mind. Samsung’s “UT One” OLED panel is said to offer two significant benefits over today's conventional OLED panels. It is 30% thinner and lighter, effectively reducing a laptop’s weight by around 50 g (1.76 oz). Furthermore, it boasts a variable refresh rate capable of dropping to as low as 1 Hz – a feature long established in smartphones but a first for laptops.

According to Samsung’s internal testing, lowering the refresh rate to this level can effectively decrease power usage by 30%. The company also claims that this UT One OLED panel won’t exhibit visible flickering even at refresh rates below 10 Hz. The display supports up to a 120 Hz refresh rate. Samsung’s new Intelligent Color Technology (ICT) is designed to further optimise power consumption by lowering brightness whilst boosting saturation, making images appear brighter than they actually are.

Source(s)

Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 17784 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

Translator: Zhiwei Zhuang - Translator - 354 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, I moved from Singapore toCologne in 2014 and began pursuing a career as a freelance translator. Much of my translation workfocuses on science, engineering and technology. My fascination with computers and mobileelectronics began when I was young. And I have fond memories reading countless tech and gamingmagazines. Working with Notebookcheck gives me the opportunity to incorporate my personalinterests into my professional work.