Microsoft recently announced the new Surface Pro with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite chipsets, with customers also having the option to choose an OLED panel if they want more vivid colors, a higher brightness level, and an overall better viewing experience. However, despite these upgrades, the software giant is nowhere near the level of its latest competitor, the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro, in terms of display shipments. One analyst provides data on just how far Apple is ahead of the competition, with the latest figure revealing that it has ordered more than 23 times the OLED volume compared to the latest Surface Pro.
The Surface Pro with OLED upgrade comes with a $500 premium; Apple offers Tandem OLED as standard on every M4 iPad Pro model
On X, Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) founder and CEO Ross Young provides some data on Apple’s 13-inch M4 iPad Pro and Microsoft’s Surface Pro. Young states that Apple started taking orders for Tandem OLED in February 2024, whereas Microsoft had a significant headstart and was acquiring panels from November 2023. Despite the time difference of a few months, Apple’s display shipments are more than 23 times higher than the Surface Pro’s, and that too for the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro.
If we count the 11-inch iPad Pro’s display shipment estimates, the difference could be a lot higher. It is also worth noting that the underlying technology between the two OLED panels is extremely different. With the latest M4 iPad Pro family, Apple has incorporated Tandem OLED, making it the first time such displays are being used on consumer products. For those who do not know, Tandem OLED exudes a higher brightness level and sports a longer lifespan.
Microsoft started taking panels for the 13" OLED Microsoft Surface Pro at the end of 2023. Dating back to November, Apple 13" OLED iPad Pro panel shipment volumes are more than 23X higher than the 13" Microsoft 13" Surface Pro volumes. Apple dominates this category... pic.twitter.com/jQEENpfS0N
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) May 22, 2024
It is also worth mentioning that every M4 iPad Pro that Apple sells ships with an OLED panel as standard, but if you want Microsoft’s Surface Pro with the same display, you will have to pay an extra $500 to switch from LCD. However, there are other upgrades involved too, such as the inclusion of the Snapdragon X Elite instead of the Snapdragon X Plus, along with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM offered as standard.
While there is no denying the technological marvel that is the M4 iPad Pro, Apple still limits its functionality due to the lack of compelling features in iPadOS, so unless the company expands on its software, it is unlikely that this category will pick up steam. However, irrespective of this limitation, the M4 iPad Pro models are expected to sell in the millions this year, outpacing the Surface Pro by a comprehensive margin.
News Source: Ross Young
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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