The last time we refreshed the iPad Pro was in October 2022, when the 11-inch and 12.9-inch premium tablets were updated with the Apple M2 processor. According to the rumor mill, these screens will change in 2024, when more models are expected to appear.
This comes from display analyst Ross Young, whom he spoke with MacRumors (opens in a new tab). First, the display technology will apparently change from the IPS LCD LED (11-inch) and IPS LCD mini-LED (12.9-inch) of the current iPad Pros to OLED – just like the flagship iPhones.
That should mean even better screens in terms of contrast and darker blacks, although the panels included with the current iPad Pro series are already impressive. We’ve been hearing rumors for some time that Apple will switch to OLED in its iPads.
Changing sizes
There will also be a resizing of the displays, says Young. The 11-inch iPad Pro will become the 11.1-inch iPad Pro, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will become the 13-inch iPad Pro – then it won’t be a big difference, but worth noting.
It’s possible that Apple will be able to reduce the bezels on these two premium iPads, so the overall dimensions of the tablets will remain the same while the displays will become slightly larger. OLED panels can also mean thinner and lighter devices.
Additionally, despite previous leaks suggesting that Apple is working on a super-sized iPad Pro, according to Young, that is apparently not on the way. It looks like at least in the next iteration Apple will stick to the two sizes we talked about.
Analysis: making the iPad Pro more professional
iPad Pros have always been high-end luxury devices for people on big budgets who need as much power as possible: keep in mind that the entry-level iPad (yours for $449 / £499 / AU$749) does basically everything more expensive models do.
After switching to OLED, this will be another differentiator that will help justify the high price of the iPad Pro models. Whether these boards will cost the same remains to be seen – but we assume that’s what Apple is aiming for.
The resizing is less interesting, though Apple clearly wants to keep the large iPad Pro in its lineup. Not only does it offer more screen space, but it also gives buyers a reason to consider buying one of the more expensive tablets instead of the iPad Air.
With these updated tablets apparently launching in 2024, it could be a quiet 2023 in terms of Apple tablets. This may give competitors time to catch up, but it also means a significant performance boost when the new iPad Pros arrive.