After the transition to an OLED display in iPad Pro next year, Apple is targeting a switch from LCD to OLED in iPad Air and iPad mini starting in 2026, according to Omdia.
Apple's plan for the LCD to OLED transition in iPad – and Mac – is starting to take shape based on supply chain information gleaned primarily from LG Display and Samsung Display who will supply the OLED panels.
This is great news as wide adoption of OLED displays will enable Apple to make HDR (High Dynamic Range) and wide color gamut the new default in its ecosystem across photos, videos, gaming and apps. OLED will give users a much improved viewing experience compared to the current IPS LCD panels used in both iPad and Mac. Apple's adoption will also help accelerate the transition away from aging LCD panels in the IT industry.
iPad Pro first, later Air and mini
The iPad Pro is expected to abandon its stop-gap miniLED LCD in favor of OLED next year.
Market research firm Omdia claims that the planned sizes are 11 and 12.9 inches supplied by LG Display and Samsung Display, with a target of 10 million units total in 2024.
Also read: Analyst: iPad Pro and 13" Macbook Air to get OLED displays in 2024
All iPads currently rely on IPS LCD panels
iPad Air and iPad mini will likely follow from 2026 onward, but Omdia warns that plans could shift based on the market reception of iPad Pro.
- "Apple is continuously discussing the possibility of widely adopting OLED technology for the iPad mini and iPad Air lineup as the next phase of its strategy from 2026 onward. Apple may review the market feedback and sales results of the OLED iPad Pro to adjust its OLED iPad mini and iPad Air launch schedule. It also seeks more display supply chain partners to join its OLED iPad panel supplier list. Apple will be more focused on OLED displays for IT panels from 2024 onward, following the OLED display transition trend that mobile phones went through," said Linda Lin, Principal Research Analyst at Omdia.
Apple is already using OLED displays in Apple Watch, iPhone and soon Apple Vision Pro. The company's Pro monitor with an IPS LCD panel does not deliver proper HDR pictures and is instead marketed as "XDR".
- Source: Omdia
