Apple has plans for new iPad Air and iPad Pro models, both of which will boast notable changes. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says the new models are part of Apple’s attempt to reverse sliding iPad sales.
The iPad Air will be available in two sizes for the first time, with the smaller model measuring in at 10.9 inches, while the larger version will be 12.9 inches, like the larger iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch iPad Air will be priced lower than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
The 2024 iPad Pro models will feature OLED displays, making them the first iPad models to use OLED display panels. Apple currently uses OLED displays on its iPhone and Apple Watch. However, it has resisted using OLED panels for its iPads, due to the screens being more expensive.
OLED displays boast deeper blacks and more vivid colors than LED or mini-LED displays. OLED displays will be limited to iPad Pro models, while the iPad Air will continue to use standard displays.
Gurman says his sources tell him that the high-end version of the iPad Pro will be powered by the M3 chip that Apple debuted earlier this year. The chip is fabricated using TSMCs 3-nanometer technology and will bring substantial graphic improvements over the M2 that currently powers the iPad Pro.
Apple will also release refreshed iPad and iPad mini models in 2024, although it is unknown whether they will debut alongside the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models.
In addition to new iPads, Apple will also debut a new Apple Pencil and new Magic Keyboards.
The new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and their accompanying accessories are expected to launch around the end of March when Apple plans to release iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4. Apple is expected to hold a media event to unveil the new iPads and accessories.
