Rumors of Apple releasing an OLED iPad are in full force — but the timing of when it’ll be released is all over the place. Following a report last week claiming that an OLED iPad would arrive in 2022, it’s now expected that the upcoming tablet will be delayed until 2023.
Where iPads have traditionally used LCD displays, this year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro took a big step forward with its use of a Mini LED one. It dramatically improved the contrast ratio, brightness, and color accuracy — with it all resulting in the best screen ever seen on an iPad. As good as Mini LED is, however, many people are still clamoring for Apple to launch an OLED iPad.
While an OLED iPad very much appears to be in the works, it may launch a bit later than expected. Display Supply Chain Consultants (also known as DSCC) recently published its OLED display revenue expectations between 2021 and 2025. In the report, DSCC says, “Apple’s entry into the OLED tablet market expected in 2023 will boost the tablet market to over $1B in 2024.” Last week’s report from The Elec indicated Apple would launch its first OLED iPad in 2022, but if DSCC is to be believed, that may not be the case after all.
Why An OLED iPad Is Worth Waiting For
Compared to LCD, OLED is better in almost every way. It produces more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and generally results in a much more impressive viewing experience. That does come at the cost of display brightness and potential for screen burn-in, but overall, it’s widely considered a positive change. It also aims to bring iPad display quality more in-line with other Apple products, seeing how OLED is already used for the iPhone and Apple Watch.
With the first OLED iPad, specifically, rumors suggest it’ll have a 10.9-inch display and act as an entry in the iPad Air lineup. Following that, Apple will then bring OLED to the iPad Pro — possibly later in 2023. DSCC at least backs up the existence of a 10.9-inch OLED iPad, saying, “We expect Touch Bars [on MacBooks] to be exceeded by tablets when Apple starts the adoption of the 10.9″ AMOLED iPad.”
Speaking of the Touch Bar, DSCC goes on to note, “our sources suggest that Apple may cancel the Touch Bar in the future.” Past rumors have suggested this will be seen on the 2021 MacBook Pro refresh, which will supposedly eliminate the Touch Bar in favor of traditional function keys. Not only will that likely make a lot of MacBook users quite happy, but it should also free up some money for Apple to take on the cost of finally bringing OLED to the iPad — a venture that will be anything but cheap.
