Apple is contemplating foldable tablets but plans to introduce OLED iPads and MacBooks first

Apple is set to broaden its utilization of cutting-edge OLED screens to include its iPad and MacBook product lines, according to a Nikkei report. The company reportedly plans to integrate OLED panels into its high-end iPads as early as next year, with an OLED MacBook model expected for production in the second half of 2025. This strategic move toward OLED displays, already prevalent in premium smartphones such as iPhones and many Android devices, marks a notable victory for major display players like Samsung Display, LG Display, and China’s BOE Technology Holding. 

Apple is planning to launch new iPads and MacBooks

Apple is gearing up to introduce a range of new models and enhancements for its Mac and iPad lineup, aiming to reverse the decline in sales within this category. Despite contributing nearly 15% to Apple's revenue, a downturn in consumer tech spending and a dearth of fresh Apple offerings have impacted the Mac and iPad sector. According to a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is slated to revamp its iPad Air, iPad Pro, and MacBook Air series, with the anticipated launch scheduled for March 2024. The report highlights that alongside the new iPad series, Apple plans to unveil iPadOS 17.4 during the March launch event, while the macOS 14.3 update is expected to roll out in January or February.

Apple's strategy includes the introduction of a 12.9-inch iPad Air model, aligning the size of the new tablet with that of the iPad Pro. This move could potentially result in four models, codenamed J507, J508, J537, and J538, available in both wifi and cellular versions. Currently featuring a 10.9-inch display, the larger display on the new tablets is part of Apple's effort to provide diverse options at various price points, mirroring its approach with the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro series, as highlighted by Gurman. Additionally, reports indicate Apple's intention to launch four new iPad Pro models, spanning screen sizes from 11 inches to 13 inches, under the codenames J717, J718, J720, and J721. This marks the first comprehensive overhaul of the iPad Pro range since 2018, with the potential pricing reaching up to $2,000. Gurman notes that the new iPad Pro models will feature OLED screens, employing the same display technology used in iPhones since 2017. Furthermore, these iPad Pro models are expected to incorporate the M3 chipset introduced with the MacBook Pro in October of the current year.