According to individuals with knowledge of the situation, as reported by the Korea Herald, LG Display is poised to commence the production of OLED screens for the forthcoming iPad Pro model as early as February next year. This production timeline at their Paju facility in Gyeonggi Province is notably ahead of schedule, approximately three months earlier than previously anticipated. It's expected that the cost of these OLED displays will be significantly higher, approximately triple the price of those utilized in iPhones, a factor that might lead to increased retail prices for the end consumers. This new piece of information seems to align closely with the details shared in a report from the previous week.
Presently, the 11-inch model of the iPad Pro utilizes an LCD panel, whereas the larger 12.9-inch version is enhanced with mini-LED backlighting. This technology offers improved brightness levels and a superior contrast ratio. The adoption of OLED technology for the iPad Pro would bring about the elimination of the need for backlighting. This change is anticipated to offer several advantages, including an even greater contrast ratio featuring deeper blacks, reduced power consumption, among other benefits. It's rumored that Apple plans to incorporate exceptionally thin hybrid OLED displays that merge both flexible and rigid materials, potentially enabling the forthcoming iPad Pro models to boast a slimmer profile.
Apple's ambitious plans reportedly include the procurement of approximately 10 million OLED panels for the iPad in 2024. LG is expected to fulfill about 60% of this demand, while Samsung is anticipated to supply the remainder, focusing specifically on the 11-inch model. The production of these next-gen OLED panels for the iPad Pro is projected to significantly contribute to the financial resurgence of LG Displays in the coming year. Negotiations concerning the pricing of these panels between LG, Samsung, and Apple are reportedly in the final stages.
Beyond the introduction of OLED display technology, the next iteration of the iPad Pro models is anticipated to feature a host of enhancements. These include marginally larger displays, the integration of the new M3 chip, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory. In terms of anticipated release dates, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has forecasted that the new iPad Pro models could hit the market in the second quarter of 2024, a period spanning from April to June. This projected launch window is in harmony with the latest speculations emerging from the Korea Herald's report.