The forecast by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests a comprehensive update across Apple's iPad lineup throughout 2024, though he maintains a cautious outlook on sales growth. Kuo estimates a slight increase in iPad shipments to about 52-54 million units, up from the estimated 50 million this year, but still below the pandemic-driven peak of 63 million units in 2022.
Kuo's predictions for the 2024 iPad updates are as follows:
iPad Air Update in Q1 2024: The refresh will include the current 10.9-inch model and introduce a new 12.9-inch variant, supporting earlier supply chain speculations about the larger size. These iPad Air models are expected to retain LCD panels but will feature an upgraded oxide backplane technology. The lineup will also see performance improvements thanks to chip upgrades.
iPad Pro Launch in Q2 2024: The next generation of iPad Pro is set to debut with a redesigned body, the new M3 chip, and, notably, an OLED display. This marks the first time Apple's tablets will adopt OLED technology, promising significant improvements over the current mini-LED displays in terms of quality and power efficiency.
Updates to iPad mini and Base Model iPad in H2 2024: Later in the year, Apple plans to refresh the lower-end of its tablet spectrum with new iterations of the iPad mini and the 11th-generation base model iPad. The discontinuation of the iPad (9th generation) by the end of 2024 will also signal the complete transition away from the Lightning port across the iPad lineup.
These updates indicate Apple's continued investment in improving its tablet offerings across various price points and form factors, despite the moderated sales growth expectations. The introduction of OLED in the iPad Pro and the complete shift away from the Lightning port are particularly notable, reflecting Apple's commitment to enhancing display technology and port standardization within its product ecosystem.