To offset falling iPad sales, Apple is planning a major refresh of its “iPad” lineup in early 2024, Mark Gurman reports. Apple plans to introduce new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, both of which will include notable changes.
iPad Air, just like iPad Pro, will be available in two sizes for the first time. The smaller model will be 10.9 inches, but the larger version will be 12.9 inches, just like the larger “iPad Pro.” Apple aims to provide more variety between screen size and price, 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 have OLED screens, a first in the iPad series. Apple uses OLED technology for the iPhone and Apple Watch, but larger OLED screens are more expensive. Compared to an LED or mini LED display, OLED provides deeper blacks and brighter colors. OLED displays will only be available in the Pro version, while the “iPad Air” will continue to use standard displays.
Gurman says the high-end version of the “iPad Pro” will include Apple’s new M3 chip, which it introduced earlier this year. The M3 is built on 3 nanometer technology and will significantly improve graphics over the M2 chip currently used in the “iPad Pro”.
Apple will update the iPad mini and lower-end “iPad” in 2024, but it is unclear whether these tablets will be updated at the same time as the “iPad Pro” and “iPad Air”.
In addition to the updated iPads, Apple also plans to introduce a new Apple Pencil and new Magic Keyboards. The updated Magic Keyboards are said to feature a stronger aluminum frame that will make the “iPad” feel more like a laptop.
No iPads will be released in 2023; This marks the first time Apple hasn’t released a new tablet in a calendar year. iPad revenue increased from $29.3 billion in 2022 to $28.3 billion in 2023.
The new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and their accompanying accessories are expected to arrive in late March, when Apple also plans to release iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4. Apple is expected to hold an event in March to introduce new devices.