Apple will transition from iPad Air to OLED screens in the second half of next year, while mini-LED screen technology will remain exclusive to the more advanced models of the iPad Pro, according to a new report by Apple analyst Ming- Chi Kuo.
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Apple is expected to be just a few weeks away from launching a mini LED iPad Pro o, the first Apple device to feature the latest technology. In the last note from the Kuo investor, seen by MacRumors, the analyst stresses his belief that even when the iPad Air makes the transition to an OLED display in 2022, mini-LEDs will remain in its tablet line as an exclusive display technology for the iPad Pro models.
The market is concerned that if the iPad starts using OLED in 2022, Apple will abandon the mini LED. However, according to our latest industry survey, if the iPad adopts an OLED display in 2022, it will be the medium / low cost iPad Air, while the latest generation iPad Pro high will still use a mini LED display. The adoption of OLED on the iPad does not affect the positive trend of the mini LED. Since the OLED used on the iPad is a rigid type and has a significantly lower PPI than on the iPhone, it is less challenging to produce and the cost is close to the LCD currently used on the PiPad Air.
Kuo envisions a future line of iPad in which OLED and mini-LED further differentiate Apple’s mid-range iPad Air models from its seusiPad Pro devices. Apple currently uses OLED screens on the Apple Watch and iPhone, while Macs and iPad still retain the older LCD technology. OLED monitors offer greater brightness, deeper blacks and wider viewing angles. However, they generally cost much more to produce than LCDs.
Earlier this month, DigiTimes reported that a 10.9-inch iPad, probably the iPad Air, will be updated with an OLED screen in early 2022. In contrast to Kuo’s note, DigiTimes said Apple would also adopt OLED technology for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. DigiTimes also stated that Apple could launch a 16-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro with OLED as early as next year.
Apple is already working on several products with mini-LED screens, including redesigned MacBook Pros. Kuo believes that Apple’s use of mini-LEDs will accelerate in the coming years as production costs decrease, with Apple’s medium to high-end devices consistently adopting the technology first.