Barclays: iPad With OLED Display Unlikely to Launch Until 2022 at Earliest

Last month, Korean website The Elec reported that Apple plans to release new iPad Pro models featuring OLED displays in the second half of 2021, noting that Samsung and LG are already in the process of developing the displays.

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However, following recent discussions with Apple suppliers, Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis, Thomas O'Malley, Tim Long, and their associates said that an iPad with an OLED display does not appear to be in the works for 2021. In a new research note, shared with MacRumors, the analysts said a launch is unlikely until 2022 at the earliest.

The timeframe offered by Barclays certainly sounds more reasonable, as many rumors suggest that Apple plans to release at least one iPad Pro model with Mini-LED backlighting in the first half of 2021, and it would seem rather quick for Apple to switch display technologies twice within the same year with the release of OLED models.

Apple already uses OLED displays for the iPhone X and newer and all Apple Watch models, with benefits over LCDs including higher brightness, improved contrast, increased power efficiency, wider viewing angles, and more.

Apple last refreshed the iPad Pro in March, but it was a relatively minor update, with new features including an A12Z Bionic chip that is essentially an A12X chip with an extra GPU core enabled, an Ultra Wide camera, a LiDAR Scanner, and better sounding microphones. Prior to that, the iPad Pro received a major redesign in October 2018, gaining slimmer bezels, Face ID, and a USB-C port instead of a Lightning connector.

Barclays analysts were the first to claim that Apple was planning to stop including a charger with iPhones. In the past, they also accurately revealed True Tone coming to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, the removal of the headphone jack adapter with iPhone XS and iPhone XR models, and the removal of 3D Touch on all iPhone 11 models.

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Top Rated Comments

AppleTO Avatar
62 months ago
Then what is the point of even using Mini-LED if they are going to go OLED right after? Just use OLED now. ?

This doesn’t make sense.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
James Godfrey Avatar
62 months ago
So 2020 was all about... should I buy the iPad Pro now or wait for the miniLED iPad Pro...

2021 will be should I buy the miniLED iPad Pro or wait for OLED...

At this point I have a funny feeling we may not see a miniLED iPad Pro and Apple may jump straight to OLED in 2022.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nutmac Avatar
62 months ago
If you are planning on using iPad for productivity purpose, which could leave static elements for hours, OLED will start to burn. Pro Display XDR's miniLED-style display is far better suited for Macs and iPads.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacBird Avatar
62 months ago

I can wait. My second gen 12.9 is a beast of horsepower.

Love it!
Even my 2017 10.5'' iPad Pro still feels pretty fast.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nutmac Avatar
62 months ago

C'mon Apple, I've been waiting for the Mini-LED iPad for ages! Now I have to wait for OLED? This is torture hahaha

Somehow I just don't see Apple transitioning to Mini-LED and then to OLED so soon, unless Mini-LED is meant for the iPad Air line, and OLED for the Pro line. I think the Mini-LED followed by Micro-LED transition makes more sense in 3-4 years time.
Unless you are planning on using iPad in quick short bursts, which is typical of most iPhones, don't. This is an example of what could happen with OLED (store display model):

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mc0 Avatar
62 months ago
Oh the horror! I’d choose Mini or micro LED. Don’t want burn in on my iPad.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)