Apple has reportedly begun exploring the possibility of developing OLED display panels suitable for the iPad Air and iPad mini models. The company hopes to release those OLED-equipped iPads as soon as 2026, according to a new analysis shared by Omdia.
The efforts are part of Apple’s strategy to gradually shift more of its products from traditional LCD technologies to next-generation OLED panels. The current plan calls for Apple to release new iPad Air and iPad mini models with OLED displays in 2026 at the earliest, though Omdia warns that the company might push back its schedule depending on the market’s reception of the OLED iPad Pro set to be announced next year.
Apple is continuously discussing the possibility of widely adopting OLED technology for the iPad mini and iPad Air lineup as the next phase of its strategy from 2026 onward. Apple may review the market feedback and sales results of the OLED iPad Pro to adjust its OLED iPad mini and iPad Air launch schedule.
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Omdia
As a result of the anticipated adoption of OLED panels, Apple is also looking for more OLED panel suppliers in addition to Samsung and LG to cope with future demand. Looking beyond its tablet lineup, Apple will shift its focus to Mac-grade OLED panels as the company is widely expected to release a redesigned MacBook Pro with OLED displays by 2027.
Omdia reiterates that Apple will release its first OLED iPad Pro lineup next year. Research indicates that the company hopes to sell 10 million units of its next-gen premium iPad lineup in 2024, with the majority of display orders to be supplied by LG. The analysis adds that the current iPad Pro is experiencing a steep decline in sales which is largely responsible for overall iPad shipments declining by as much as 36% year-over-year in 2023.
The OLED iPad Pro will bring forward an overhaul of the tablet which largely remained unchanged since its current design was released in 2018. According to recent reports, the next-gen iPad Pro will offer the yet-to-be-announced M3 chip, 11-inch and 13-inch OLED displays, and a revamped Magic Keyboard.
