Apple has been reported on a boatload of occasions to drop mini-LED for the 2024 iPad Pro models in favor of OLED. While this progression in display technology should bring several benefits to the table, there was still no clear launch timeline for these tablets until now, assuming this rumor checks out.
New OLED iPad Pro models are said to launch sometime in Q1 2024
The M2 iPad Pro family launched back in October 2022, so it is rather strange that @korean_riceball talks about ‘strong’ rumors surrounding the OLED models to launch in Q1 2024, which could be any time during January, February, or March. However, given that Apple has not been reported to get a significant design change to its upcoming tablet, the only notable upgrade will be the M3 chipset that has been outfitted in the same chassis.
Also, during its Q2 2023 earnings call, Apple reported that iPad revenue was down compared to the previous quarter, so an early launch of the OLED iPad Pro lineup could be a way to appease investors next year and rebound quickly in terms of sales. While the M3 is said to have been delayed to 2024, there could be other reasons which may have prevented Apple from proceeding with a launch this year. For instance, OLED panels are not cheap, with the company rumored to pay up to $350 for unit in just display costs alone.
According to strong rumors, Apple will release its first iPad with an OLED display in the Q1 of 2024. It is expected that the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models will switch to OLED, which may then expand to other iPad models. pic.twitter.com/a0GsvzsLmw
— Riceball (@korean_riceball) May 8, 2023
This kind of expense will mean that Apple will have little choice but to charge a premium from its customers, meaning that the base OLED iPad Pro will start from $1,800, making a MacBook Pro a more salivating option for consumers that want more utility with their purchase. To overcome this pricing obstacle, Apple is said to be in talks with LG to help procure affordable third-party OLED evaporator equipment to make the flagship tablets a little less expensive.
An early launch in 2024 could also mean that Apple will have more to prepare for the larger iPad Pro during the remainder of the year. This slate is said to feature a 14.1-inch display, and instead of running the M3, rumors claim it will flaunt the significantly more powerful M3 Pro and will be able to run a modified version of iPadOS 17. While all of this stuff makes for an exciting discussion, at the end of the day, remember to treat it with a pinch of salt and await more updates.
News Source: @korean_riceball
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