In Short

• The new iPad Pro models may feature M3 SoC.
• Apple may launch the new tablets early next year.
• Apple is also expected to launch iPhones next month.

Apple plans to upgrade its iPad Pro lineup with a new display technology and chipset in early 2024. According to Apple analyst and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the next iPad Pro model will continue to be available in two sizes, starting with the 11-inch iPad Pro. However, the bigger iPad will feature a relatively larger 13-inch display instead of the existing 12.9-inch screen. The new Pro tablet may feature an upgraded M3 SoC.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman adds that the upcoming iPad Pro models will feature OLED display panels instead of LED panels. Apple also uses the former display tech on iPhones, enhancing the viewing experience with richer colours. Generally, OLED displays reproduce vivid hues and deeper blacks. They can also help preserve the battery as each pixel is individually managed.

The newsletter does not highlight major design changes, though it claims that Apple might refresh the Magic Keyboard accessory. Gurman adds, "The new accessory makes the iPad Pro look even more like a laptop than the current setup and adds a larger trackpad. That addresses a complaint about the current Magic Keyboard, which debuted in 2020."


Why the major iPad Pro upgrade?
Apple, similar to other tablet OEMs, has been struggling with sales. Both PC and tablet shipments have been declining globally for the last few quarters.

Moreover, customers may also find it confusing to choose between a Mac and an iPad, even though there are clear distinctions between the two, such as touch screen and software experience. The iPad Pro lineup may also be confusing to customers, as the two Pro models mainly differ in terms of display tech. However, the price difference between the two is significant -- the iPad Pro 11 starts at Rs 81,900 and the iPad Pro 12.9 starts at Rs 1,12,900. Despite a powerful chipset, the MacBook Air may look more versatile than an iPad.

Gurman reiterates that Apple's next major launch might happen on September 12. We can expect the launch of new iPhone modes (iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro). All the new iPhones are expected to feature a USB-C port for charging. The regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus may also carry a new display notch. Apple may launch new Watch models on September 12.

There's also another launch scheduled for October -- likely for the first M3 Macs — but it might be a soft launch instead of a grand-scale offline event. 

 

TrendForce 2022 Mini LED New Backlight Display Trend Analysis
Publication Dates: April 30 and October 31, 2022
Language: Traditional Chinese/English
Format: PDF
Number of Pages: The two publications will total 120–130 pages