Apple is reportedly planning to introduce OLED displays into its iPad lineup, with the transition starting next year. This will bring changes to features, pricing, and more. So why is Apple choosing to make this shift to OLED now?
OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. It is a display technology that offers several advantages over other options. For example, OLED displays have better black levels than mini-LED screens, which means they can completely turn off pixels when they need to be black, resulting in deeper blacks.
While mini-LED displays offer higher brightness levels, they suffer from a phenomenon called “blooming,” where non-black elements can bleed into black areas of the UI. OLED does not have this issue since the pixels producing the light can be turned off entirely.
However, one concern with OLED is burn-in, where a static image on the display can leave a visible mark regardless of what is being viewed. Despite this drawback, experts still believe that OLED provides better image quality than mini-LED technology. Software can also be used to mitigate burn-in concerns.
According to rumors, the first iPad with an OLED display will be released in the first half of 2024. The 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are expected to be the first to make the switch. Sources such as Bloomberg and analyst Ross Young have supported this timeline. Bloomberg also reported that Apple plans to revamp the iPad Pro lineup in spring 2024 with a new design and OLED displays.
To address some of the drawbacks of OLED, Apple is reportedly planning to use a technology called “tandem stack.” This technology can increase brightness, improve display longevity, and reduce power consumption by approximately 30% compared to traditional OLED panels. Additionally, the new iPad Pros are rumored to feature variable refresh rate displays for increased efficiency.
As for pricing, the first OLED iPad Pro is expected to be expensive. OLED panels are already more costly than LCD and mini-LED, and Apple is planning to use the most advanced version of OLED available. A supply chain report from The Elec suggested a starting price of $1,500 for the 11-inch iPad Pro with OLED and a starting price of $1,800 for the 12.9-inch version. This marks a significant increase compared to the current iPad Pro lineup.
While the exact pricing is yet to be confirmed, it is likely that there will be some price increase for the new iPad Pros. Overall, Apple’s decision to transition to OLED displays in its iPads signifies a focus on improved image quality and technology advancements, even with the challenges and cost implications involved.