Apple Targets Over 9 Million Shipments for First OLED iPad Pro Amid Market Downturn

Apple is setting ambitious targets with the launch of its first OLED-screen iPad Pro, aiming to ship over 9 million units. This goal is particularly impressive given the current slump in the overall IT device market.

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Impact of Launch Delays and Market Expectations

Despite delays in the OLED iPad Pro’s launch, Apple and its South Korean display partners are sticking to their initial shipment plans. Reports indicate that both Apple and manufacturers like LG Display (LGD) and Samsung Display (SDC) remain dedicated to their original goals, mitigating concerns around delayed market expectations.

Market Forecasts for OLED Shipments

According to market research firm Omdia, as cited by Korea’s TheElec, the total shipment volume for tablet OLEDs in 2024 is expected to reach 12.1 million units. Notably, hybrid OLEDs, which the new iPad Pro will be the first to feature, are projected to make up 8.12 million units or 61.7% of this total. This suggests that a significant portion of Omdia’s forecasted hybrid OLED shipments will be driven by the iPad Pro OLED.

Shipment Goals and Manufacturer Contributions

While some market researchers estimate the 2024 OLED iPad Pro shipment volume to be between 4.5 and 5 million units, industry sources in South Korea assert that Apple, LGD, and SDC are maintaining their original shipment targets. LGD aims to ship 5 million units, and SDC has set a goal of over 4 million units.

Specifications and Manufacturing Advancements

The OLED iPad Pro will be available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes. LGD will supply both sizes, while SDC will focus on the 11-inch panels. These tablets will utilize a two-stack tandem structure, which theoretically doubles the brightness and quadruples the lifespan compared to single-stack OLEDs.

To boost its iPad OLED production capacity, SDC is expanding from one to two production lines at its A3 facility. Although A3 primarily produces single-stack OLEDs for smartphones, it will need to incorporate new processes to manufacture the two-stack tandem OLEDs required for the iPad Pro.

In contrast, LGD’s E6-4 production line was designed from the outset to produce two-stack tandem OLEDs, following a KRW3.3 trillion investment plan announced in 2021. Recently, LGD signaled an additional investment of KRW103.8 billion for the E6-4 line, bringing the total investment to approximately KRW3.4 trillion.

Source: DigiTimes