The present invention concerns an electromagnetic actuator (2) for a haptic display (1). The actuator (2) comprises: a) a first, movable permanent magnetic element (5), the first magnetic element (5) comprising a first latching layer facing side, a second latching layer facing side substantially opposite to the first latching layer facing side, and at least one lateral face between the first latching layer facing side and the second latching layer facing side; b) a shielding element (7) for shielding laterally the first magnetic element (5) to confine a magnetic field generated by the first magnetic element (5); c) a first actuation inductor (12) facing the first latching layer facing side for actuating the first magnetic element (5) and arranged to displace the first magnetic element (5) from a first latching position to a second latching position, or vice versa; d) a first latching layer (13) facing the first latching layer facing side and arranged to attract the first magnetic element (5) for obtaining the first latching position; and e) a second latching layer (15) facing the second latching layer facing side and arranged to attract the first magnetic element (5) for obtaining the second latching position, different from the first latching position.