The upcoming MacBook Ultra, already anticipated to be costly due to its sleek design, OLED, and touchscreen, may see further price increases. Apple typically uses multiple suppliers for components to ensure reliability and competitive pricing. However, for the MacBook Ultra's sophisticated display, a supply chain source indicates Apple has chosen to rely on a single supplier.

Apple's usual display partners include Samsung, LG, and BOE. For the MacBook Ultra, which requires advanced tandem OLED and touchscreen technology in large laptop sizes, Apple initially hoped for multiple sources. Reports suggest LG Display could not meet the required volume, prompting Apple to select Samsung Display as the sole provider for these advanced screens.

Samsung's 8.6th generation OLED line met Apple's demand for mass production, while LG's existing 6th generation line was deemed less efficient for the scale required. This exclusive deal with Samsung positions them with significant negotiation power, likely increasing Apple's manufacturing costs. These increased costs are expected to be passed on to consumers, adding to the already high anticipated price of the MacBook Ultra, especially with prior memory cost increases.