Report believes that iPad Air and iPad mini will be equipped with OLED screens from 2026

Apple will reportedly eventually introduce OLED panels to its more affordable tablet lineup, with reports suggesting the iPad Air and iPad mini will be the next to feature such displays, but not so early. In order to make OLED upgrades on the iPad Air and iPad mini possible, Apple will have to add more suppliers to supplement the shipments of LG and Samsung.

access:

Apple Online Store (China)

It is expected that the display size of Apple’s iPad Pro series will remain unchanged in 2024, with the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models being upgraded to OLED. Omdia reports that currently only LG and Samsung will supply these panels for next year's models, but also mentions the California-based giant's need to diversify its supply chain when bringing the technology to the iPad Air and iPad Mini.

Unfortunately, consumers who don't want to pay the high price for an iPad Pro's OLED panel will have to be patient, as cheaper options won't be able to enjoy this upgrade until 2026, and there's a chance Apple will cancel the plan for various reasons.

The source stated:

"Apple is continuously discussing the possibility of widespread adoption of OLED technology in the iPad mini and iPad Air series as the next phase of strategy starting in 2026. Apple may adjust the launch schedule of OLED iPad mini and iPad Air based on market feedback and sales results of OLED iPad Pro. It is also seeking more display supply chain partners to join its OLED iPad panel supplier list."

Apple may incorporate BOE into its supply chain (this Chinese panel factory has missed the opportunity to become Apple's main supplier several times due to quality control reasons) to provide cheaper OLED screens for iPad Air and iPad mini. Samsung and LG may mass-produce higher-end LTPO panels that also support ProMotion technology and advertise thinner bezels and the ability to project higher peak brightness levels.

But judging by the price of these parts, at least for the time being, Apple can't bring them to the iPad Air and iPad mini while continuing to sell them at the same price as current models. To keep the cost down, we should see some features missing from the non-Pro tablets, but it's not a bad compromise, especially when you get the inherent benefits of OLED at a more affordable price.