Apple is preparing to make a fundamental update to its tablet series, as reports from the supply chain indicate the company's intention to replace the current LCD screens in the iPad Air models with OLED screens during the first half of 2027.
Expected Technical Details
According to circulating information, the upcoming iPad Air is expected to rely on a single-stack OLED design using an LTPS (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) backplane, which is the same technical direction Apple followed in the recently launched iPad mini. This technical distinction serves to differentiate the Air category from the iPad Pro category, which uses double-stack technology to enhance brightness and more energy-efficient LTPO panels.
What does this mean for users?
The report confirms that Apple plans to keep the screen refresh rate at 60Hz in Air models, meaning that the ProMotion feature (which provides variable refresh rates up to 120Hz) will remain exclusive to the iPad Pro series. This direction raises questions about the added value for users in light of expectations of rising costs, especially with the continued reliance on traditional screen technology in upcoming updates.
Supply Chain and Market Forecasts
Samsung Display is expected to capture the largest share of the supply of these screens, while BOE seeks to obtain a share of the orders, provided it meets the quality standards required by Apple. Industry estimates indicate that the expected shipment volume for 2027 ranges between 4 to 5 million units for both iPad Air and iPad mini, while forecasts indicate weaker demand for the iPad Pro series compared to initial targets, which analysts attribute to the device's high price.