In a recent analysis, well-regarded industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo provided insights into Apple's strategy for its iPad lineup, indicating a significant refresh across the board to make up for a perceived stagnation in the current year. Kuo forecasts that Apple will kick off these updates with a revamped 10.9-inch iPad Air and introduce a brand-new 12.9-inch iPad Air, both equipped with the latest chips and set to enter mass production in the first quarter of 2024. These updates are poised to invigorate Apple's tablet offerings, blending a mix of high performance and advanced display technology to cater to both professional and casual users.
Kuo highlighted that the upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air will feature an LCD display. While it won't incorporate the mini-LED technology found in the current iPad Pro models, it is expected to leverage an oxide backplane technology, which should enhance the display performance beyond what is offered by the current 10.9-inch iPad Air's a-Si backplane technology. This move indicates Apple's commitment to providing high-quality display options across its product lineup, ensuring that even those who opt for the Air model over the Pro version can enjoy superior screen quality.
Following these updates, Kuo anticipates the launch of OLED iPad Pro models, which have been the subject of speculation for some time. According to his predictions, Apple plans to release new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models featuring a redesigned chassis and the new M3 chip during the second quarter of 2024. The shift to OLED technology for the iPad Pro lineup is expected to offer users unprecedented color accuracy, contrast ratios, and overall visual experience, further solidifying the Pro series as the pinnacle of Apple's tablet offerings.
The analyst also foresees the introduction of a new iPad mini and an 11th-generation iPad—positioned as Apple's entry-level tablet—later in 2024. This move will likely lead to the discontinuation of the 9th-generation iPad, which is currently sold alongside the 10th-generation model in Apple's product lineup. By refreshing the iPad mini and introducing a new entry-level iPad, Apple aims to cover all market segments, from the most affordable options to the high-end Pro models, ensuring there's an iPad for every type of user.
Despite these extensive updates, Kuo projects only a modest increase in iPad shipments for 2024, estimating figures in the range of 52 to 54 million units. This forecasted growth is notably less than the peak of 63 million units Apple achieved in 2022, amid the heightened demand during the pandemic. It suggests that while the refresh may invigorate interest in the iPad lineup, the overall tablet market may be stabilizing after the surge in demand experienced during the pandemic years.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has also shared predictions regarding Apple's 2024 iPad lineup updates, albeit with slight differences in the anticipated timeline and specific details compared to Kuo's analysis. Gurman suggests that updates to the lower-end and mid-range iPads could occur as early as March 2024. He anticipates the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models, equipped with the M3 chip and OLED displays, to be launched in the first half of the year. Additionally, Gurman expects the next iterations of the iPad Air and iPad mini to be powered by M2 and A16 Bionic chips, respectively. This corroborates the overall trend of significant technological upgrades across the iPad range, aiming to offer users enhanced performance, better displays, and more versatile options to meet their specific needs and preferences.
