In 2024, Apple is set to overhaul its entire iPad lineup, introducing two new models, a 10.9-inch and a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air. According to prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities, this extensive upgrade is in response to a relatively uneventful year in the iPad lineup for 2023. The upcoming changes will encompass all existing models, with an initial focus on refreshing the 10.9-inch iPad and launching a brand new 12.9-inch iPad Air. These devices will feature cutting-edge chips and are scheduled for mass production in the first quarter of 2024.
The 12.9-inch iPad Air, as noted by Kuo, will feature an LCD screen without the mini-LED technology found in Apple’s current iPad Pro models. However, it will make use of the same oxide backplane, which matches the specifications of the existing mini-LED iPad Pro models. This choice is expected to deliver superior display performance compared to the 10.9-inch iPad Air, which uses an a-Si backplane.
Kuo further detailed that significant enhancements in the iPad lineup will encompass the introduction of the M3 processor and the incorporation of OLED displays.
Kuo’s projection anticipates a total iPad shipment of 52-54 million units. This represents a slight increase from the estimated 50 million units shipped in the current year. However, it falls significantly short of the peak reached during the pandemic in 2022, when 63 million units were shipped.
Additionally, Kuo forecasted that the two upcoming OLED iPad Pros, which will replace the mini-LED models, are scheduled to commence mass production in late 2024. These new models are expected to feature the M3 processor and enhanced form factor designs.
Kuo predicted that shipments of the two OLED iPad Pro models in 2024 would range between 6-8 million units. However, their shipment momentum may be somewhat weaker compared to the existing iPad Pros. This could be attributed to the higher price of OLED iPads and the potential for competition with the 12.9-inch iPad Air.