December 17, 2024 – According to a report released by market research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), Apple is planning to incorporate OLED display technology into more of its iPad products, including a future foldable iPad.
DSCC predicts that Apple intends to launch an 8.5-inch OLED iPad mini in 2026, followed by the release of 11-inch and 13-inch OLED iPad Air models in 2027. With the adoption of OLED screens for the iPad Air and iPad mini, most of Apple’s iPad lineup, excluding the low-cost version, will feature OLED displays by 2027.
Furthermore, DSCC forecasts the arrival of an 18.8-inch foldable iPad Pro equipped with an OLED screen in 2027. This aligns with previous rumors suggesting that a foldable iPad or MacBook could be among the first folding devices from Apple. The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple is developing a larger folding device “designed to be used as a laptop” with a screen size of approximately 19 inches when unfolded. Similarly, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg emphasized the foldable iPad, mentioning that this “giant” tablet could be released in 2028. Gurman revealed that Apple aims for the upcoming folding device to appear seamless, resembling a single piece of glass, rather than exhibiting visible creases.
Previous rumors have been ambiguous about whether the upcoming folding device will be an iPad or a Mac, leaving both possibilities open.
While iPhones and Apple Watches have utilized OLED screens for several years, larger OLED displays need to become more affordable before they can be widely used in Macs and iPads. This year, Apple introduced its first OLED iPads, the 11-inch and 13-inch OLED iPad Pro models, marking a significant milestone in the company’s transition to OLED technology for its tablet lineup.
