What you should know
- In 2023, Apple did not release any new iPad models, the first time this has happened since the original iPad was launched in 2010.
- Apple analyst Mig-Chi Kuo predicts that the company will release several new iPad models in 2024, including two variants of the iPad Air with different screen sizes and potentially powered by the M2 chip.
- Apple is also expected to start mass production of two updated iPad Pro models in 2024, featuring OLED panels for the first time in iPad history and a powerful 3nm M3 chip.
- The company may increase the price of the new iPad Pro models to maintain a pricing gap between the iPad Air and iPad Pro lines, and is also expected to start producing the next iteration of the iPad mini and the basic 11th-generation iPad in 2024.
Full Story
Apple did something unusual last year. For the first time since 2010, the tech giant didn’t release a single iPad tablet in 2023. That’s right; not a single new iPad model hit the market.
The last time Apple didn’t launch a new iPad was when they first unveiled the original generation iPad tablet back in 2010. This surprising fact was confirmed by TF International’s reliable Apple analyst, Mig-Chi Kuo. In September, Kuo stated that Apple had no new iPad models lined up for a 2023 release. He even went as far as to say, “New iPad models are unlikely before the year’s end.” And, as usual, he was spot on.
So, what’s next for Apple? Well, since there were no new iPads in 2023, you’d expect a few new tablets for 2024. Kuo seems to think so too. Back in November, he published a roadmap with his expectations for this year.
Kuo predicts a shake-up in the iPad Air line. He expects Apple to offer two variants of the device. One will feature a 10.9-inch display, and the other will boast a larger 12.9-inch screen. Both models could be powered by the M2 chip. Currently, the iPad Air (2022) is equipped with the M1 chip. According to Kuo, the two new iPad Air tablets will be manufactured this quarter.
Remember the premium iPad Pro released in 2022? Well, later this year, Apple is expected to start mass production of two updated iPad Pro models. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch premium tablets will feature an OLED panel for the first time in iPad history. They’ll also offer an improved form factor and pack a powerful 3nm M3 chip.
Kuo also mentioned the iPad Pro’s OLED screens. They’ll use the same LTPO backplane employed on the iPhone 15 Pro handsets. This will allow the ProMotion display to drop from a 120Hz refresh rate to as low as 1Hz when there’s static content on the display. It’s a smart move, as it’ll help save battery life by not using the 120Hz refresh rate when it’s not needed.
Apple is also looking to differentiate between the iPad Air and iPad Pro lines this year. One way it might do this is by raising the price of the new iPad Pro models. This would maintain a gap in pricing between the two tablet lines. However, Kuo believes there will be some cannibalization by the new 12.9-inch iPad Air.
As for the next iteration of the iPad mini, Kuo expects mass production to start during the second half of 2024. Around the same time, Apple will also start manufacturing the basic 11th-generation iPad. If Kuo’s predictions are right, Apple will be busy making new iPads throughout this year. This could be seen as making up for the lackluster 2023.
Interestingly, the demand for iPads soared during the pandemic as businessmen and students turned to tablets for work and entertainment. However, as the pandemic ends, there’s been a drop in demand for these devices. Apple is hoping that by refreshing the line, it can generate business from those who haven’t upgraded their iPads for years.
And just for the record, the last iPad released by Apple was the 10th generation iPad. It was released on October 26th, 2022.
