New iPad Air and iPad Pro hardware is expected to be unveiled any day now.
This includes a more affordable 12.9-inch display with the iPad Air expected to add a larger option.
We also expect to see the first iPads OLED screen technology to deliver deeper black levels like the iPhone and Apple Watch.
A new report from DSCC may add color on when to expect new iPads to ship.
The analyst firm also gives us an idea of what to expect with the iPad Pro supply mix at launch.
Soon, but not yetApple went all of 2023 without introducing any new iPad hardware.
That’s a first for the tablet line since the original iPad debuted in 2010.
However, it sounds like the 2024 iPad hardware will be worth the wait.
Apple has used mini LED display technology in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro for two generations, but the 11-inch iPad Pro has stayed on the LCD path.
OLED technology certainly isn’t new to Apple.
Apple Watch has used an OLED display since launching in 2015, and the iPhone X introduced OLED to the phone line in 2017.
OLED boasts the deepest black levels of current display technology.
Apple got closer to OLED contrast ratios with the mini LED iPad Pro two generations ago, but mini LED isn’t without the blooming effects that show up when pixels light up the display.
Samsung & LGAccording to DSCC, Apple has gone back and forth on OLED suppliers for the 2024 iPad Pro line.
The firm describes the new iPad Pro hardware as “first OLED tablet panels with LTPO, tandem stacks and glass thinning” which translates to Apple selling as many iPad Pros as they can make.
To pull this off, Apple has tasked both Samsung Display and LG Display with producing the new panels.
DSCC breaks down how the supplier situation has shifted during production:LG was initially tasked with producing all 12.9-inch panels while sharing 11.1-inch panel production with Samsung.
Then Samsung was reportedly the only supplier of 11.1-inch panels due to demand based on high costs for the new iPad Pro hardware.
Now DSCC reports that LG is joining Samsung once again in producing 11.1-inch panels.
Our latest insights on the Apple OLED iPad ramp and launch.
https://t.co/T7mCiNdefO pic.twitter.com/15rG4HDxub — Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) March 18, 2024iPad launch expectationsWhat does this mean for customers?
While both new iPads are expected to jump in price, it sounds like the new 11.1-inch iPad Pro will be supply constrained relative to the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
However, the situation may balance out at some point as LG contributes to 11.1-inch panel production going into April.
Speaking of April, DSCC believes Apple could announce the new iPad line in March, but we shouldn’t expect shipments until next month.
Fortunately, we’re nearing the end of March anyway.
And while the whole iPad Pro line is expected to start at prices higher than ever, the iPad Air line will offer some relief with the first 12.9-inch version — just without OLED contrast ratios.
Not worried about the latest iPad hardware?
The 9th-gen iPad with a Home button and larger bezels is currently going for $250.
If you want something a bit nicer, the 10th-gen iPad is also discounted to $350 and may be worth the jump.
The new iPad Air and iPad Pro hardware is expected to be unveiled any day now, so are you ready for some new iPads? This comes with a 12 x 9-inch display that is less expensive; a larger option is anticipated for the iPad Air. Additionally, we anticipate that the first iPads will use OLED screen technology, which will produce deeper black levels than those found on the iPhone and Apple Watch.
When the new iPads are expected to ship may be clarified by a recent report from the DSCC. We also get a preview of the iPad Pro supply mix at launch thanks to the analyst firm.
Not today, but soon.
Apple did not release any new iPad hardware during the entire year 2023. Since the release of the first iPad in 2010, that represents a first for the tablet lineup. Still, it seems that the iPad hardware of 2024 will be well worth the wait. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has been using mini LED display technology for the past two generations, but the 11.6-inch iPad Pro has continued to use LCD technology.
Apple has undoubtedly used OLED technology in the past. Since its launch in 2015, the Apple Watch has featured an OLED display; in 2017, the iPhone X brought OLED to the phone lineup. OLED boasts the deepest black levels available in modern display technology. With the release of the mini LED iPad Pro two generations ago, Apple moved closer to OLED contrast ratios; however, blooming effects are still present when pixels illuminate the display in mini LED.
Samsung and LG.
DSCC claims that Apple has changed its mind about OLED suppliers for the iPad Pro line of 2024. Apple intends to sell as many iPad Pros as they can produce, as stated by the company when describing the new iPad Pro hardware as “first OLED tablet panels with LTPO, tandem stacks, and glass thinning.”.
Apple has given Samsung Display and LG Display the task of creating the new panels in order to pull this off. The supplier position has changed during production, as explained by DSCC:.
At first, Samsung and LG shared production of 11.1-inch panels, with LG being responsible for all 12.9-inch panels.
Then, due to demand brought on by the high price of the new iPad Pro hardware, Samsung was allegedly the only supplier of 11.1-inch panels.
It has been reported by DSCC that LG is once again collaborating with Samsung to produce 11.1-inch panels.
Our most recent observations regarding the ramp and launch of the Apple OLED iPad. — Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) March 18, 2024 — https://t . co/T7mCiNdefO pic . twitter . com/15rG4HDxub.
expectations for the iPad launch.
The price increases for both new iPads are anticipated, but it appears that supply of the 11-inch iPad Pro will be limited in comparison to the 12-inch iPad Pro. What does this mean for customers? However, as LG continues to contribute to the production of 11.1-inch panels through April, the situation might eventually even out.
In relation to April, DSCC thinks Apple may reveal the new iPad lineup in March, but shipments won’t start until the following month. The good news is that March is almost over. The first 12-inch iPad Air model, which lacks OLED contrast ratios, will provide some respite from the anticipated higher starting prices for the entire iPad Pro line.
If you don’t mind spending $250 on the 9th generation iPad, which has a larger bezel and a Home button, then don’t worry about the newest model. If you’re looking for something a little bit nicer, the 10th generation iPad is also on sale for $350, so it might be worth the upgrade.
