According to Nikkei Asia, Apple’s current development focus for the iPad product line is mainly on the transition to OLED, and foldable products will be considered later.
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.
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.
According to reports, Apple has no specific timetable internally for the launch of a foldable iPad, and it is not the company’s current development focus.
However, the report emphasized that Apple will launch a foldable iPhone before launching a foldable iPad.
Samsung Display has restructured its organization to improve operational efficiency in foldable panel development to better meet Apple’s needs.
At the same time, LG Display (the new CEO is Zheng Zhedong) also reorganized and established a new strategic customer (SC) department. The SC unit will be separated from the existing small and medium-sized business unit and will be dedicated to Apple business.
According to reports, Samsung Display and LG Display are already working on development work for Apple’s foldable product project, including a 20.25-inch size panel. It’s unclear whether the panel size is related to a specific product or panel production process.
