What you should know
- Apple is expected to unveil two new iPad Air models and two new OLED iPad Pro models in March this year, with production already underway.
- LG is producing displays for the 13-inch iPad Pro, while OLED panels for the 11-inch model are expected to hit the production line soon. Samsung is also preparing to start its own production of OLED iPad panels.
- Apple’s initial OLED iPad shipment estimate for this year is 8 million units, which is less than the industry’s anticipated 10 million units. However, production is expected to increase after an initial testing phase.
- The new iPad Pro models are expected to feature Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) screens, which offer superior contrast ratios and contribute to thinner displays. They are also likely to be powered by the new M3 processor and may come with upgraded Magic Keyboard and Pencil accessories.
Full Story
Not too long ago, we dropped a hint about Apple possibly unveiling a couple of new iPad Air models and two OLED iPad Pro models. The date we heard was March. Now, there’s a new buzz in the air that’s giving weight to those rumors.
A Korean news outlet, THE ELEC, let the cat out of the bag. They’re saying that the production of OLED iPads is already underway.
Word on the street is that LG has been busy. They’re reportedly churning out displays for the 13-inch iPad Pro. And guess what? OLED panels for the 11-inch model are just about ready to hit the assembly line.
But wait, there’s more. Samsung is also getting in on the action. They’re supposedly prepping to start their own production of OLED iPad panels in the next few days.
Apple’s stepping up its game this year. They’re breaking into the OLED iPad market, offering two sizes: 13 inches and 11 inches. LG Display’s handling the production for both sizes, while Samsung Display’s focusing on the 11-inch model.
There’s a bit of a twist though. Samsung Display’s also been dabbling in the development of a 13-inch model. But for now, they’re sticking to producing the 11-inch model.
As for Apple’s initial OLED iPad shipment estimate for this year, it’s 8 million units. That’s a bit shy of the industry’s expected 10 million units. But hey, it’s the first time OLED screens are making an appearance in the iPad lineup. So, it’s likely that production will pick up speed after the initial testing phase.
The finished products of Apple’s OLED iPad are expected to ship in April.
Now, let’s talk tech for a bit. Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) screens offer superior contrast ratios. And since they don’t need a separate backlight layer, they contribute to much thinner displays.
OLED tech isn’t new to Apple. It’s already being used in the iPhone, with a single-stack configuration. But for the larger iPad Pro screens, Apple’s going with a two-stack OLED. This boosts brightness and durability, but it does come with a higher price tag.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any extra details about the configuration of the new iPad Pro models. Previous reports hint at a new M3 processor powering these devices. There’s also talk of a significantly higher cost compared to current models.
And there’s a possibility that Apple might roll out upgraded Magic Keyboard and Pencil accessories with its next-gen iPads. But that’s all we’ve got for now. Stay tuned for more updates!
