Apple will add a new larger 12.9-inch iPad Air to an entirely refreshed iPad lineup coming next year, with two iPad Air models taking priority in Apple’s launch roadmap, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In Sunday’s Medium post, Kuo writes that two iPad Air models are scheduled for mass production in the first quarter of 2024. The 10.9-inch model will be joined by a 12.9-inch version, which won’t have the mini-LED tech of its iPad Pro counterpart, but will still get some benefits from using the same-spec Oxide backplane.
Actually, this is not the first time this news has been heard, so it is very likely that it is true. However, we will have to wait to really confirm it and discover the new collection of iPad models that will arrive in 2024.
Kuo also offers that there will be two OLED iPad Pro models replacing the mini-LED versions in late Q1 or Q2 of 2024. The models will include new form factor designs, an M3 processor, and the OLED panel will adopt a Tandem design with LTPO backplanes.
Mass production of the OLED versions will be delayed to Q1 or Q2 versus early Q1 in planning, which is apparently down to OLED panel issues.
Budget iPads to launch in 2024
In the second half of 2024, Kuo believes Apple will unveil its budget-focused iPad lineup, featuring a new iPad mini and the 11th gen iPad.
The analyst also claims Apple will discontinue the iPad 9 before the end of 2024. Given the tablet’s dated internal and the use of a Lightning port, this won’t be surprising. The move could see Apple reduce the price of the iPad 10 to fill the vacuum left by the iPad 9’s discontinuation.
