Apple is considering equipping its iPad mini and iPad Air tablets with OLED display panels beginning in 2026, according to a report from technology research firm Omdia.
In a report forecasting Apple’s iPad panel purchasing plans, Omdia explains that 2024 will mark the beginning of a transition to OLED in its tablet lineup. The potential transition to OLED on Apple’s two mid-range tablets is apparently part of its OLED display strategy from 2026 forward.
Apple has reportedly not yet made a firm commitment to bringing the more advanced display technology to its mid-range tablets and may be waiting to see how the market reacts to the first OLED iPad Pro models, which are expected to launch in 2024, before committing to using the new display panels for the iPad mini and iPad Air.
The report also mentions that Apple is currently seeking more suppliers for OLED displays designed for the iPad, corroborating previous rumors of iPad Pro models with OLED displays that are widely expected to launch next year. The OLED panels are due to be provided by LG and Samsung.
The next-generation iPad Pro is expected to launch in 2024 and be the first major update to the product since 2018. The new iPad Pro is expected to boast larger OLED displays, the M3 chip, and support for a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory.
After many years of R&D, Apple may finally launch a new iPad OLED panel in 2024. The planned OLED tablet panel size will be 11 and 12.9 inches and will be supplied by LG Display and Samsung Display. Based on the current survey, Apple is targeting a total of 10 million units of OLED iPad panels for 2024. The forecast for 2024 indicates that LG Display may supply 6 million units for both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, while Samsung Display may provide 4 million units for the 11-inch model only. The OLED iPad will be adopted in the iPad Pro product lineup as the first OLED model for Apple IT products. The demand for the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Mini LED backlight will be gradually replaced with OLED technology from 2024 onward.