There are rumors that Apple would switch its popular iPad Air to use an OLED display next year. According to well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has changed its plans and will continue to use LCD technology for the Air throughout 2022. Kuo has previously stated that Apple would reserve its mini-LED technology for iPad devices Pro.
The reason Apple will keep mini-LED technology exclusively for its Pro line of devices is cost, even though the technology burns less than OLED. As for why Apple is changing its plans, Kuo said in a letter to the investor that it would not be able to bring the OLED iPad Air to market and meet its performance and cost requirements.
The first time Apple used mini-LED technology in its iPad Pro line came earlier this year with the 12.9-inch tablet. The same display technology is expected to come in the updated MacBook Pro models that will be unveiled shortly. The smaller 11-inch iPad Pro will receive a mini-LED update next year, according to Kuo.
An interesting statement made by Kuo is that Apple is currently working on a new technology for tablets for the next 3-5 years that will make them lighter, thinner and more bendable. There are many foldable smartphones on the market today, but Apple hasn’t entered that realm yet.
Many expect Apple to debut a foldable iPhone. An iPhone model that could fold out into something the size of the iPad Mini would be very popular. Kuo wrote in his investor note that the main use of Apple’s mini-LED screens in the near future will be MacBooks. The cheapest MacBook Air should get a mini LED screen next year.
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