According to Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent analyst from TF International Securities, Apple is gearing up to revamp its entire iPad lineup in 2024. The anticipated upgrades include the introduction of a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air alongside the existing 10.9-inch model.
Kuo's insights suggest that Apple aims to compensate for the lack of significant changes in its iPad lineup this year by implementing updates across all existing models. The first quarter of 2024 is expected to see the commencement of mass production for these refreshed iPads, featuring new chips.
Specifically, Kuo noted that the 12.9-inch iPad Air will sport an LCD screen, diverging from the mini-LED technology found in Apple's current iPad Pro models. However, it will benefit from the same oxide backplane, indicating a commitment to enhancing the performance and capabilities of the iPad Air lineup. As Apple continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, these anticipated upgrades contribute to the evolving landscape of the iPad series.
"The 12.9-inch iPad Air is an all-new model, and while it lacks mini-LED, it benefits from an Oxide backplane (the same spec as the existing mini-LED iPad Pro’s), offering better display performance than the 10.9-inch iPad Air with a-Si backplane," Kuo wrote in a Medium post on Sunday.
Ming-Chi Kuo, the analyst from TF International Securities, has outlined key upgrades expected in Apple's iPad lineup. These enhancements include the incorporation of the M3 processor and the adoption of OLED displays.
In terms of shipment projections, Kuo anticipates a total of 52-54 million iPad units, reflecting a modest increase compared to the estimated 50 million units shipped in the current year. However, these figures fall short of the peak of 63 million units reached during the pandemic peak in 2022.
Looking ahead, Kuo's predictions extend to the introduction of two new OLED iPad Pros, which are set to replace the existing mini-LED models. These upgraded versions are slated to enter mass production in late 2024 and are expected to feature the M3 processor, along with improvements in form factor designs. The forecasted upgrades underscore Apple's commitment to advancing technology and design within its iPad lineup.
"Shipments of the two OLED iPad Pro models will be 6-8 million units in 2024, with slightly weaker shipment momentum than the existing iPad Pros, possibly due to the higher price of OLED iPads and potential cannibalisation from the 12.9-inch iPad Air," the analyst said.
(With Agency Inputs)
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