New iPad Pro with OLED screen will be released in 2024Q1
Previous reports have suggested that Apple intends to launch a new iPad Pro in 2024, featuring OLED screens for improved display quality, such as deeper blacks and higher color accuracy. The company has reportedly placed orders for 11-inch and 12.9-inch OLED panels from Samsung and LG.
According to Twitter user @korean_riceball, the release of the OLED-equipped iPad Pro might transpire earlier than anticipated, potentially arriving in the first quarter of 2024. Besides the screen, there is presently no indication of significant design alterations. The only noteworthy speculation surrounds whether the new model will be equipped with an M3 chip.
Some analysts posit that Apple’s early launch of the OLED iPad Pro may be an attempt to assuage investors, given the recent decline in iPad product line revenue. Apple might be seeking to boost sales by introducing additional selling points. Recent news suggests a delay in the M3’s release, which could pose complications if the new iPad Pro model employs this chip. Another hurdle is the cost; reports indicate that Apple’s choice of OLED panels is not inexpensive, with the display component alone costing up to $350 per device.
Recent reports also suggest that Apple is in negotiations with LG to integrate third-party supplier equipment, aiming to reduce costs and accelerate OLED panel production. Apple has historically favored Canon Tokki’s OLED deposition machines for their reliability, but their pricing is equally substantial. By incorporating Sunic Systems’ OLED deposition equipment, investment costs could be reduced by approximately 40%, significantly lowering Apple’s expenses for each OLED panel acquisition.
