The 12.9-inch iPad Air, expected to be announced at Apple’s “Let Loose” event, is no longer said to feature a mini-LED panel despite earlier rumors suggesting otherwise, according to the trusted displays analyst and the CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants Ross Young.
Last week, Young predicted that the larger iPad Air would reuse the 12.9-inch mini-LED panel from the current iPad Pro. Today, Young is backtracking on his earlier claims after consulting with more sources, saying that the new iPad Air will continue to use typical LCD panels with a uniform backlight just like the current 10.9-inch model. The mini-LED panel’s high cost is likely to be one reason why Apple is not willing to introduce the feature for its mid-range iPad lineup, Young adds.
The new iPad Air lineup alongside the OLED iPad Pro is likely to be announced on Tuesday, May 7 during Apple’s “Let Loose” event. The iPad Air will be offered in a new 12.9-inch display size for the first time. Beyond a new size option, nothing much is expected to change with Apple’s mid-range iPad lineup, save for an upgrade to the M2 chip, camera improvements, and the possibility of bigger storage options and new colors.
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On the other hand, the iPad Pro is expected to gain next-generation OLED displays with brighter and more vibrant colors while also gaining the M3 chip powering the latest Mac models. The iPad Pro could feature a landscape Face ID camera as referenced in recent iPadOS 17 releases while also boasting a much thinner design with slimmer bezels thanks to the new display technology.
Apple will also upgrade key accessories alongside the OLED iPad Pro. The Apple Pencil will receive its first revamp in several years that could include Find My support and magnetic replaceable tips. The Magic Keyboard is also said to receive a key upgrade that could make the iPad Pro appear more laptop-like when docked.
