Apple to produce 8.5 million iPad Pro OLED models this year

Apple orders 8.5 million OLED panels for its upcoming redesigned iPad Pro models

A major advance in the iPad Pro line

Apple placed an initial order for 8.5 million OLED panels from South Korean suppliers for its upcoming redesigned iPad Pro models, expected to arrive this month. The update will mark the biggest design refresh in the Pro line since 2018. Apple is working with different OLED display suppliers for the upcoming iPad Pro models of around 11 and 13 inches. Samsung Display will exclusively produce the roughly 11-inch panels, whilst LG Display will produce the roughly 13-inch panels. Based on current orders, Samsung will produce 4 million units in 2024 and LG 4.5 million units, perhaps suggesting the larger model may be slightly more popular.

The reasons behind Apple's choices

Industry insiders claim that the split is due to changes in Apple's demand forecast for OLED iPad Pro models, as well as the unstable production capacity and yield of the two suppliers, who are still adapting to Apple's requirements for new panel technologies. There is a rumour that Apple is aiming for unparalleled display quality, as well as a design that reduces the thickness and weight of its iPad Pro models. Recently disclosed CAD drawings of the upcoming models give a better idea of how thin the tablets will be. The larger iPad Pro model, for example, will be more than 1mm thinner.

Possible changes in production

The number of OLED panels Apple orders from Samsung and LG may change after the initial production run, depending on fluctuations in production yield and possible adjustments to Apple's demand forecast for the new OLED iPad Pro models. Apple's latest shipment forecast was announced as a reduction from the 10 million units that were projected for 2024 last year.

The new iPad Pro comes with new features

Apple's OLED iPad Pro models are also expected to be updated with faster 3-nanometre M3 chips, and the possibility of MagSafe charging. Apple also expects to sell the devices with a new Magic Keyboard and an improved Apple Pencil. Made with AI. Source: Tim Hardwick Reviewed by: