Apple faced a setback in its iPad category last year due to the absence of new upgrades, resulting in a 10 percent decline in overall revenue. However, the tech giant aims to make a comeback this year with a series of upgrades, including OLED iPad Pro models and the iPad mini 7. The entry-level iPad and iPad mini are slated for upgrades in the second half of the year, while the OLED iPad Pro and iPad Air 6 models are expected to launch in the Spring. A recent report from Bloomberg, featured in Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, sheds light on the potential release timeframe for these iPad models.
The Upcoming OLED iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Air
According to Gurman, Apple might unveil the OLED iPad Pro and new iPad Air models in March or April, aligning with earlier reports suggesting a Spring launch. Following the introduction of these new iPad models, Apple is anticipated to shift its focus to the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, scheduled for June.
The iPad Pro, having maintained the same design for over five years, is poised for a revamp, with rumors suggesting a glass back and potentially larger screen sizes with slimmer bezels. While concrete details are scarce, this redesign is expected to distinguish the ‘Pro’ lineup from the ‘Air’ series.
Anticipated features for the iPad Pro models include an OLED display, a significant selling point, and both the 11-inch and 13-inch models are expected to adopt this upgraded display technology. The tablets will also be powered by Apple’s new M3 chip, promising enhanced computational and graphical performance. There are speculations about a glass back on the iPad Pro models, paving the way for MagSafe wireless charging.
Regarding the iPad Air 6, reports indicate that Apple plans to introduce a larger 12.9-inch variant, maintaining the current design with a slight revamp to the camera module. The iPad Air models are expected to feature the M2 chip, representing an upgrade from the existing M1 chip. The report suggests a simultaneous release of the OLED iPad Pro and iPad Air 6 models in March or April. Additionally, Apple is set to unveil the Vision Pro headset on February 2. The iPad mini 7 and the entry-level iPad models are anticipated to follow later in the year, potentially after the launch of the iPhone 16 lineup.
