Apple was initially expected to launch upgraded versions of the iPad mini, iPad Air, and the entry-level iPad this year. However, the company saw fit to announce new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by the company's new M3 series of chips. Now, a new report by a prominent analyst claims that Apple is planning to update its entire iPad lineup next year, which includes the iPad Air 6, iPad mini 7, and iPad 11, as the OLED iPad Pro models.
Apple to update its entire iPad lineup next year, including the OELD iPad Pro, iPad Air 6, iPad mini 7, and iPad 11
The news was shared by industry analyst Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, suggesting that Apple plans to upgrade its entire iPad lineup throughout the year. This means the company could announce some iPad models early while others have to wait until the end of the year. At this point, almost all iPad models need an upgrade, including the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models.
2023 is the first year Apple did not see fit to upgrade any of its iPad models since its launch in 2010. Henceforth, the company has a lot of pressure for next year as shipments remain low. At its earnings call, iPad revenue declined by almost 10 percent, and company executives speculate an ongoing trend that will stretch until next quarter. Customers are potentially waiting for upgraded iPad models as they reserve their purchasing power for the latest models.
Besides iPad mini 7, iPad Air 6, and iPad 11, Apple is also expected to announce its new OLED iPad Pro models with an M3 chip. The OLED tablet has been rumored for a while but faces numerous delays. The company is expected to unveil the OLED iPad Pro next year in the springtime. Since the company is tackling lower-than-expected shipments, Apple needs to be quick.
As for the rest, the iPad mini 7 could launch with Apple's A17 Pro chip, which is based on TSMC's 3nm architecture. Furthermore, the iPad Air 6 could house an M2 chip for desktop-class performance. However, the OLED iPad Pro will remain the top variant in the lineup with an M3 chip. If you are not familiar, Apple upgraded the iPad Pro, entry-level iPad, and iPad Air back in 2022, while the iPad mini was updated even before that in 2021. Now, 2023 has reached its end, and it has been the longest since the company upgraded its iPad models.
Mark Gurman's prior speculation notes that the low to mid-range iPads will be updated in March 2024. The M3-powered OLED iPad Pro is also expected to arrive in the first half of 2024. We can presume that the company will update the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad 11 in the Spring, while the iPad Pro models will launch at the WWDC event next year.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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