Apple announced the 11-inch and 13-inch M4 iPad Pro models that ship with Tandem OLED technology. Where multiple reports expected the new tablets to be significantly pricier than their mini-LED counterparts, the Cupertino giant once again defied those claims by introducing a $999 starting price for the latest lineup. It is possible that the relatively affordable pricing is what has generated some momentum for the slates, as according to the latest figures, shipments are estimated to reach 9 million units.
LG is handling all 11-inch and 13-inch OLED orders, while Samsung is getting its act together for mass production
Given that the overall tablet market is in a state of decline, it is impressive that the M4 iPad Pro family has reportedly managed to maintain decent shipment estimates. DigiTimes has cited research firm Omdia, which mentions that the total OLED shipment volume in 2024 can reach 12.1 million units, out of which ‘hybrid OLED’ panels will account for 8.12 million units, making up 61.7 percent of the total. For those who do not know, hybrid OLED is another term for Tandem OLED, with the technology exclusively utilized by the new M4 iPad Pro models.
While the report does not mention the following, Apple’s $999 starting price may have forced demand to pick up. Even Display Supply Chain Consultants founder and CEO Ross Young was pleasantly surprised to see Apple take this route, as he believed that the 11-inch and 13-inch OLED iPad Pro models would be up to 50 percent more expensive than their direct predecessors. The latest slates would have the potential to grow higher in shipments if it were not for the iPadOS platform, which is holding the exceptionally powerful hardware back.
A recent survey revealed that 40 percent of iPad users keep their devices for up to three years or more, with one of the reasons being the lack of dedicated features in iPadOS. However, separate data has mentioned that iPad owners keep their tablets for longer due to the lower resale value of these products. Our personal opinion is that MacBooks deliver more utility than any iPad out there, so customers would likely spend their money on those portable Macs as they get more out of these machines.
The report mentions that LG supplies both 11-inch and 13-inch OLEDs, while Samsung will be responsible for only the 11-inch variant. The Korean manufacturer is planning to expand its production facilities in due time, allowing it to churn out more units in the same time frame.
News Source: DigiTimes
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