LG Display has “begun the development” of 12.9-inch OLED displays for iPad Pro, according to a new report. Production is expected to begin soon before Apple makes the transition away from mini-LED screens in 2023 or 2024.
LG is said to be pushing “two stack tandem technology,” which employs two red, green and blue emission layers. This could allow iPad Pro’s display to be twice as bright as traditional OLED panels, and much longer lasting.
iPad Pro’s OLED switch could happen in 2023
iPad Pro just swapped the LCD display technology, which Apple has been using in iPad since the original, for a new mini-LED screen. It’s currently only available on the 12.9-inch model, and it’s considerably better in many ways.
Mini-LED technology offers similar benefits as OLED, like more vibrant colors, true blacks, and greater energy efficiency — but without the possibility of burn-in. It will likely expand its reach to the 11-inch iPad Pro next year.
But it seems Apple hasn’t given up on bringing OLED screens to its flagship iPad models. The Elec reports that LG has begun development of new two-stack tandem OLED panels for a future 12.9-inch iPad Pro revision.
“As of the current time, it seems highly likely that Apple’s first OLED iPad will use LG Display’s OLED panel,” the report reads. Production is expected to between between the end of 2023 and early 2024.
11-inch iPad Pro won’t miss out
The same report claims the 11-inch iPad Pro will switch to OLED panels at the same time, but these could be produced by Samsung — Apple’s long-time OLED display supplier — alongside LG Display.
If this information is accurate, it suggests mini-LED screens are little more than a stopgap — perhaps one that allows Apple to improve upon iPad Pro’s display while it waits for even better OLED technologies to become available.
OLED is still considered superior to mini-LED. But unless manufacturers can find a way to eliminate burn-in entirely, it may not be suitable for devices centered around productivity that see a lot of extended use.
