Apple is reportedly still working on the version of iPadOS needed for the first iPad Pro with a OLED screen. The software development process might delay the launch until well into April.
Previous leaks previously pointed at a March debut, and that’s still possible. But those eager for Apple’s next premium tablet should also be prepared to wait as much as another month.
And apparently the launch date won’t be March 26, despite a recent rumor.
Waiting until April for 2024 iPad Pro
There were no new iPads released in 2023. The last time an Apple slate came on the market was fall 2022. But the wait for an upgrade to its premium tablets for professionals is almost over, according to many, many leaks.
And there’s plenty of anticipation, as both sizes of the new model will apparently be the first to move past a traditional LCD display to an OLED. The tablet is also expected to run the Apple M3 processor that debuted in the fall 2023 MacBook Pro.
So the big question on the mind of iPad fans is when. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman used his most-recent PowerOn newsletter to weigh in again, stating:
“I’ve repeatedly said that new software for the iPad Pro — a variant of iPadOS 17.4 designed for the updated models — won’t be complete until the end of March or even sometime in April. Once the OS is finished, Apple needs to send it off to the factories to be installed on the new hardware. That process could last a couple weeks, probably taking us deeper into next month.”
And Gurman responded to a recent report that Monday, March 26 would be the day of the tablet’s announcement with a succinct, “Not true.”
The tipster’s sources inside Apple allow him to make generally accurate predictions about the company’s upcoming products.
And he’s not alone. Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, said in a recent blog post about the two sizes of the OLED iPad Pro, “We expect to see these products announced in late March or early April. Availability isn’t likely until April.”
In addition, Young mentioned, “We also expect to see a 12.9” LCD iPad Air announced as well.” This is a product that’s been the source of previous rumors.
More about the first OLED iPad
As noted, the highlight of the next iPad Pro will be OLED (short for organic light-emitting diode) displays in which each pixel glows on its own. This leads to a bright, even image with strong contrast. Leaks indicate these will go into both the 13-inch version and the 11-inch one.
OLED screen panels don’t need backlights so they’re thinner than traditional LEDs. This will allegedly allowed the designers of the 2024 iPad Pro to make the upcoming tablet significantly slimmer.
The panels also cost more, but a leak indicates that the price jump will be less than half of what had been previously rumored.
We’ll officially find out all the details when Apple finally unveils the 2024 iPad Pro, whether that’s in March or April.
This article was first publish March 18. It was updated March 19 and March 21 with fresh information.
