Plans for OLED iPad delayed to 2024, LG likely to be supplier
The plans for OLED displays in iPads have been delayed until 2024, but it has been reported that LG has already started ramping up productions to meet the demand. This includes expansion of its plant in Paju, South Korea, wherein the increased production capacity would take account of next-generation iPhone and iPad models.
Apple employed the use of mini LED in its latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and reportedly intended to bring the improved display technology to more of its iPads, but was unable to due to supply chain issues. Mini and Mirco LEDs offer better contrast and backlight performance compared to traditional TFT LCD display tech, but still fall short of the true blacks and color renditions offered by OLED panels.
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The sizes of the iPad offerings — ranging from 8.3 inches to 12.9 — have made it a challenge for many manufacturers to supply enough panels in the quantity and at the level of quality that Apple demands. LG is geared to facilitate this size more easily than its competitors. However, a separate recent report claimed that BOE is similarly gearing up to supply OLED panels for future iPad models, according to MacRumours.
While Apple has often used Samsung as its display supplier, particularly in the Pro model phones, the Cupertino company has wanted panels with double-stack structures, which would increase the peak brightness on new models. This manufacturing process would purportedly be more expensive if done through Samsung, resulting in Apple looking towards LG and BOE.
The iPad Air 5 — slated to launch at the Spring Event — is speculated to have 5G integrated into the cellular version of the tablet, which would likely also get the A15 Bionic processer to bring it on par with the iPad Mini launched last Fall.
