Apple has shown its new 2024 iPad Pro models. These new iPads have some exciting upgrades. The iPads are thinner because Apple now uses OLED display screens instead of LCD or mini-LED screens. Let me tell you more about the important improvements coming to the iPad Pro line.
The biggest change with the 2024 iPad Pros is they are much thinner and lighter since they now use OLED displays. For example, the 12.9-inch model used to be 6.4mm thick. Now it is just 5mm thick. Similarly, the 11-inch iPad used to be 5.9mm thick. Now it is only 5.1mm thick. This huge reduction happens because OLED screens use fewer layers than LCD. So Apple can make the whole iPad thinner.
Moving to OLED brings big picture upgrades too. You can expect the screen to be brighter, have better contrast so blacks look blacker, wider viewing angles so the screen looks good from more positions, much faster response time so images change instantly as you scroll or tap, and colors that stand out more. Battery life should also improve thanks to OLED screens wasting less power. So watching video, gaming, web browsing and other apps that use the screen will look better than before on the next iPad Pros.
In addition to the thinner OLED iPads, Apple will likely also upgrade these new Pro tablets with their latest fast M3 chip, new iPadOS software tweaks, and slightly bigger screen sizes. Pricing details are still to be announced but may cost a bit more given higher production expenses. Still, professionals and creators who want cutting-edge tablet computers will find the 2024 iPad Pro lineup very compelling.
LG Takes Lead As Main OLED Provider
When Apple looked for suppliers to shift to OLED screens for the new iPad Pros, LG Display (LGD) emerged as the top provider based on their production capacity and skill. Recent news shows LGD will supply over 6 million panels per year, more than Samsung’s planned 4 million units for the 2024 iPad models.
LGD will start mass production of the OLED screens for the new iPads in February 2024. With the ability to make between 6.2 and 6.5 million panels yearly, the company has greatly increased output to satisfy Apple.
Experts say LGD has key strengths in making and improving OLED tech compared to Samsung. By using a more advanced two-layer design, LG avoided early production problems that challenged its rival. The company also stands out supplying efficient organic LED materials.
Well before planning the 2024 iPad Pros, Apple began talks with LGD and Samsung about three years ago regarding supply plans. Apple chose LGD as the main vendor then based on their technology roadmap and production scale.
Better Viewing Experience
Shifting to OLED panels in the 2024 iPad Pros will substantially improve the viewing experience. Tablet users can expect top-level features like higher maximum brightness, far better contrast for inkier blacks, superior sharpness, and vibrant colors that truly stand out.
Even battery efficiency gets a lift from OLED over LCD or mini-LED. So whether gaming, editing 4K video, or browsing photo galleries, the visual gains will be obvious and great.
Pricing Factors
Despite the way better screen and thinner design, some buyers may still find the 2024 iPad Pro cost high. Considering production complexity, experts suggest Apple could raise prices a bit versus older models.
Folks eager for elite tablets will likely pay extra for the OLED perks. But more budget-minded shoppers may prefer the 11-inch iPad Air with LCD also expected to launch with the new Pros.
What’s Next for iPad Screens
By putting OLED panels in its finest iPad models, Apple signals where display tech across all its products is heading. It’s reasonable to think future generations of iPad Air and even iPad Mini could also shift to OLED eventually.
OLED iPad Pro sales in 2024 may moderately trail recent volumes, given the somewhat higher prices. But strong reviewer and user feedback on the tablets’ best-ever displays could increase adoption over time.
In the end, the 2024 Pro line represents a turning point for the iPad, bringing remarkably vibrant and efficient OLED screens. Competitors will race to match these iPads’ stellar image quality. But they will likely also copy the move to pricier OLED like happened with smartphones, given the complexity of getting materials and parts.