Apple is planning to equip its iPad mini and iPad Air tablets with OLED displays, according to a post on the Korean social media site Naver from a user with a history of posting Apple rumors.
The post cites supply chain sources and claims that Apple has now begun negotiations with Chinese suppliers, as well as Samsung and LG, related to OLED displays for future iPad mini and iPad Air models.
Supply chain source.
Apple is said to have recently begun negotiations with Samsung and LG, as well as additional Chinese companies, on key specifications and conditions for the supply of AMOLED for two models other than the existing iPad Pro.
The goal is mass production of products after the end of 2025.
Considering the size and specifications, it is believed to be for iPad mini and Air.
Especially unlike the pros
From the beginning, Chinese companies were selected as negotiation partners.
Apple is reported looking to have the components to be in mass production by the end of 2025.
The rumor jibes with a report from earlier this week from technology research firm Omdia, which said that 2024 will mark the beginning of a transition to OLED in Apple’s 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 mentioned 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.