The new OLED iPad Pro and iPad Air models are slated to launch at Apple's "Let Loose" event next month, and the devices are expected to bring some major design changes to the lineup. Design aside, one of the biggest additions will be the new OLED display for the 'Pro' models. According to the latest, it appears that Apple's suppliers are having a hard time materializing the display technology as per the company's high standards. This could ultimately cause limited availability of the 11-inch model at launch.
11-inch OLED iPad Pro availability might take a hit at launch due to lower-than-expected yields
Display analyst Ross Young (via 9to5mac) reports that the smaller 11-inch model of the OLED iPad Pro could adhere to limited supply at launch. This is potentially due to production issues being faced by one of the display suppliers. Apple appointed Samsung and LG Display to manufacture OLED panels for the forthcoming iPad Pro models, and considering the company's high-quality standards, only LG has been able to meet its target. While LG has been proficient in the task, Samsung is having a hard time keeping up with the required yields, and it might be evident in the initial supply.
We have previously reported that Samsung's display manufacturing facility is experiencing technical issues with OLED panels for Apple. With Samsung running into production issues, LG is getting more business from Apple as the supplier has taken the liberty to produce both 11-inch and 13-inch panels. Apple requested Samsung to produce 11-inch panels, while LG was in charge of 13-inch OLED displays.
Ross Young claims that Samsung is having technical issues with the two-stack tandem structure of the OLED display, which is a key component in Apple's requirements. It is believed that the 11-inch iPad Pro models will see supply constraints initially with the 13-inch model expected to see no hiccups. Young also claimed that technical issues being faced by Samsung will stretch through next month.
Ultimately, the availability of the 11-inch OLED iPad Pro could be compromised to some extent due to Samsung's poor yield against the 13-inch model. However, take note that these are mere speculations at this stage, as the final word rests with Apple. We will keep you posted as soon as further details are available. Based on initial reports, the 13-inch iPad Pro will be the hot-selling model, which could prove to compensate for the smaller variant's unavailability.
As for the new OLED iPad Pro models, we are expecting a radical design shift with slimmer bezels and potentially a glass back. The devices will be powered by the new M3 chip for enhanced computational and graphical performance. Other than the iPad Pro, Apple will also announce the new iPad Air 6 with a new 12.9-inch model incorporating a mini-LED display, utilizing the current iPad Pro's leftovers. As mentioned, Apple will announce the devices on May 7, so be sure to stick around.
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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