A recent report by The Elec suggests that OLED displays for Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro models are set to enter the production phase this week, paving the way for device shipments to commence in April. According to the Korean-language outlet, LG Display has initiated the manufacturing of thin film transistors (TFT) for the new 13-inch iPad Pro displays. Simultaneously, Samsung is expected to kickstart its own TFT production for the 11-inch iPad Pro this week. The TFT acts as a crucial switch for turning individual OLED pixels on and off.
The finalized 11-inch and 13-inch OLED iPad Pro models are anticipated to go into mass production around March, aligning with a scheduled release in April, as mentioned in today’s report. Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously predicted a second-quarter launch for the new iPad Pro models, spanning from April to June. This timeline aligns with an earlier Bloomberg report suggesting that the new iPad Pro models might be announced at a March event, alongside a new iPad Air, available in two sizes for the first time. Apple typically opens pre-orders during or shortly after such events, with deliveries starting the following week.
Marking a first for the iPad lineup, OLED displays bring deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, a technology already used in iPhones and Apple Watches. However, larger OLED screens are more expensive compared to LED or mini-LED alternatives. The report indicates a downward adjustment in Apple’s OLED iPad Pro shipment forecast for the year, now at 8 million units compared to the earlier projection of 10 million units in 2024. This reduction is attributed to a broader slowdown in Apple’s product lineup. Notably, Apple did not release any new iPad models the previous year, raising curiosity about whether pent-up demand can offset potentially sluggish sales.
The next-gen iPad Pro models are expected to feature Apple’s latest M3 chip, introduced in the recent MacBook Pro models. Built on 3-nanometer technology, the M3 chip promises a significant graphics improvement over the current M2 chip used in the existing iPad Pro. The OLED displays, estimated to be three times the cost of iPhone displays, could translate to higher prices for customers. There are also rumors of a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory, reflecting the slightly larger screens and potentially thinner form factor of the upcoming tablets.
Prices for the OLED iPad Pros are speculated to start at $1,500, with the possibility of reaching as high as $2,000.
