In 2022, Apple released the powerful M1 processor while Samsung still can’t be beaten with its impressive screen. Even though Apple is the reining champion when it comes to tablet innovations, its competitor’s screen resolutions and utilization of the Snapdragon chip are soon closing those gaps, even winning in several markets around the world. But, Samsung’s slow dominance seems to be at an end with the multitude of reports highlighting Apple’s new OLED iPad.
In the latest report, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the company is pretty seriously looking into launching an iPad with an OLED screen. The same analyst had stated by 2022 the device should have debuted already. However, Apple decided they would delay the launch.
Later, the famous and often reliable CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, Ross Young, stated in a Tweet only available to super followers, “It is looking increasingly likely that Apple will launch a 13.3-inch OLED notebook in 2024 in addition to the 11-inch OLED and 12.9-inch iPad Pros. It is expected to be a MacBook Air, but could potentially become a MacBook, MacBook Pro, or new category.”
The main reason why Apple has been delaying the launch of the iPad OLED is mainly because of its production costs. So far, it’s still too expensive to produce an OLED display for large-screen devices with a longer life expectancy than iPhones, such as the iPad Pro. To build an OLED display for the iPad, Apple needs to use a two-stack layer structure along with a TFT (thin-film transistor) that will act as a switch for the pixels. This production method will essentially double the luminesces and extend the panel’s overall lifespan.
All of these many reports point out that Apple might be gearing up to launch its first iPad with an OLED display by 2024. At this point in time, however, there isn’t any official statement from the tech firm, but that year specifically seems to be the perfect timing for an iPad OLED release.
What’s the difference between OLED and Mini-LED
The mini-LED technology we see now in the newest iPads and even MacBooks is an improvement (enormous one) to the well-known LCDs. These kinds of pixels can’t illuminate themselves, so they need to grab lighting from a different source. Manufacturers build a source of lighting behind them and what the pixel does is take it and emit the necessary blue, red or green light where necessary. The problem with this technology is that, because of the extra layer of backlighting, the pixel in a mini-LED display can’t ever turn off.
Mini-LED is very efficient in controlling – as much as it can – which pixels are darks and which aren’t. However, the lack of contrast is still very noticeable. The best way to see how this affects the visual experience is by watching a black screen with white text on it, like the end credits of a movie. The text, although maybe a bit too small, will have a halo effect of light emitting from the white letters, so what should be black is partially gray.
OLED displays change everything. OLED is a self-emissive technology, meaning each pixel has the power to be its own light source and turn off completely where needed. This translates into total control of brightness and contrast.
In the previous example of the end credits screen in a movie, with OLED technology, the pixel right beside the white letter would be off completely so it shows an exact black, avoiding the white halo effect and the grayish result.
In conclusion, OLED technology is awesome in showcasing controlled and accurate brightness and contrast levels on a display. Given that the iPad is one of the most used devices for graphic design, as well as video and photo editing, an OLED display is almost a must-have for the device.
OLED iPad release date and price
As mentioned previously, much of the circulating rumors suggest that an iPad OLED could be unveiled around 2024, which is certainly a long wait for Apple enthusiasts. This is due largely to production woes and other assorted logistic concerns on the part of the tech conglomerate as it aims to focus primarily on the release of the iPhone 14 and Watch Series 8 products.
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch starts at $1099, while Apple has priced the iPad Pro 11-inch at $799. We would anticipate a similar range for a new OLED iPad Model.
OLED iPad specifications rumors
Display
According to some rumors as far back as 2021, the 12.9-inch and 11-inch models will convert to OLED LTPO panels while maintaining ProMotion and a variable refresh rate.
Meanwhile, other rumors suggest that neither the 12.9-inch nor the 11-inch models would choose OLED this time, with the 12.9-inch remaining as it is with its mini-LED screen. In either case, we anticipate the sizing to continue with a 12.9-inch and an 11-inch model.
Camera
The new iPad Pro models are rumored to have a triple back camera, which would be a modest improvement over the two lenses on the present versions.
Although the rumor doesn’t mention the lens composition, it did mention a LiDAR sensor. Therefore, if a triple camera system materializes, we anticipate it will have the main sensor, a telephoto sensor, and an ultra wide-angle sensor comparable to the iPhone 13 Pro models.
If these rumors pan out, the OLED iPad would be perfect for TikTokers and YouTubers because of its large battery life and the fact that it has an excellent set of cameras for both taking pictures and videos.
Expected upgrades
We should note that the 12.9-inch edition of the 2021 iPad Pro only managed eleven hours and 48 minutes in our web surfing test, whereas the 11-inch model reached 13:42. This is not to say that the 2021 iPad Pro’s battery life is in any way subpar.
We think that there will be larger cells to make up for this if it turns out that the mini-LED screen consumes more power than the IPS panel this time. We should, however, wait to see how Apple will integrate the battery with the new screen technology if we receive OLED displays.
Will the new OLED iPad be worth it?
The new OLED panels will be well worth the cost if utilized with the most recent technological advancements or even with updated camera lenses.
However, as Apple remains to be a perfectionist and prefers to employ the highest-quality materials in all of its products, the price can potentially be a bit too prohibitive. Therefore, the OLED iPad will suit you well if the price is not too much of a concern for you, or if you prefer to spend your entire savings on a mere gadget that won’t let you down in any situation.
Despite Apple’s prolonged attention to the product, we anticipate strong sales and high customer satisfaction.
Is OLED better than LED?
OLED proves to be much, much better than LED LCD, as it offers precision darks and brightness as mentioned previously. OLED displays also allow for a far wider range of viewing options, making more people within a group viable in having great viewing angles on a TV screen.
If that wasn’t enough, OLED displays also have much better motion processing and refresh rates baked into the screen, which only amplifies the viewing experience.
