New iPad Pro Release: May Launch or OLED Panel Delay?

According to reports from Korean media, the supply of OLED panels may be an important reason for the delay in the release of Apple’s iPad Pro.

OLED version iPad Pro

Apple’s initial plan was to use different OLED display suppliers for the upcoming iPad Pro models, Samsung Display exclusively produced 11-inch panels, and LG Display was responsible for the required 13-inch panels. This division of labor is reportedly due to changes in demand for the OLED iPad Pro model, as well as unstable production capacity and output of the two suppliers, which are still struggling to cope with Apple’s demand for new panel technology .

Early reports suggest that the new model may be available as early as March. However, according to Korean media reports, Samsung has recently faced the problem of low yield of 11-inch OLED panels and has been unable to meet Apple’s order needs. This shortage has led Apple to transfer orders for some smaller panels to LG Display. The latter is then expected to add orders of hundreds of thousands next month.

LG Display may now offer 60% screen panels for the upcoming iPad Pro models due to capacity reallocation. The company has invested millions of dollars in its sixth-generation small and medium-sized OLED production line and has now passed Apple’s quality control standards for large panels, allowing it to replace Samsung’s vacancy.

Apple ordered the initial 8.5 million OLED display panels from South Korean suppliers earlier this month. Apple’s latest shipment forecast has dropped from the 10 million units expected last year in 2024.

Rumors suggest that Apple plans to achieve “unparalleled” display quality with the new iPad Pro model. The device will use a dual-layer OLED construction. This method stacks two OLED light-emitting layers, improving screen brightness and longevity. This is an upgrade compared to the current single OLED structure. Meanwhile, the iPhone still uses a single OLED luminous layer.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple will launch the new iPad Pro release and iPad Air models in early May. The company is working to complete software debugging for the new devices. Gulman also mentioned that delays in the iPad Pro are related to complex new manufacturing technologies.

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