According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, in order to boost declining iPad sales, Apple plans to conduct a major update to the iPad product line in early 2024. Apple plans to launch new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, both of which will feature significant changes.
For the first time, the iPad Air will reportedly be available in two sizes like the iPad Pro. The smaller model will continue to be 10.9 inches in size, but the larger model will be 12.9 inches, like the larger iPad Pro. Apple aims to offer more choices between screen sizes and prices, and the 12.9-inch iPad Air will be more affordable than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Apple’s 2024 iPad Pro models will feature OLED displays, a first for the iPad series. Apple has been using OLED technology in its iPhones and Apple Watches, but larger OLED screens are more expensive. OLED delivers deeper blacks and more vivid colors than LED or mini-LED. OLED displays will be exclusive to iPad Pro models, with the iPad Air continuing to use a standard display.
Gurman said that the high-end version of the new iPad Pro will be equipped with the new M3 chip launched by Apple earlier this year. The M3 chip uses 3nm technology and will provide a significant improvement in graphics performance compared to the M2 chip currently used in iPad Pro.
Apple will also update iPad mini and iPad models in 2024, but it’s unclear whether those tablets will be updated at the same time as the iPad Pro and iPad Air.
While updating the iPad, Apple also plans to launch a new Apple Pencil and a new Magic Keyboard. It is reported that the new Magic Keyboard will use a stronger aluminum frame, which will make the iPad closer to a laptop.
It is noticed that Apple did not launch a new iPad in 2023. This is also the first time that Apple has not released a new tablet in a calendar year. iPad revenue will be $28.3 billion in 2023, down from $29.3 billion in 2022.
The new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and their accessories are expected to be launched around the end of March next year, which is also when Apple plans to release iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4. Apple may hold a conference in March to launch the new devices.
