Expected in March or April, Apple's 2024 OLED iPad Pro models could be vastly more expensive than its existing iPad Pros and even more costly than some MacBooks currently on sale. Here's what the rumors say.
The expected cost for the upcoming OLED iPad Pro models from Apple is significantly higher than the current models. The pricing for the 11-inch OLED iPad Pro could start at $1,500, while the 13-inch model might start at $1,800. One report has even quoted up to $2,000 for the larger model, although this could be referring to a higher storage tier available for the 13-inch.
This is a notable increase compared to the current pricing of $799 for the 11-inch model and $1,099 for the 12.9-inch model with a mini-LED display. For further reference, the OLED iPad Pro price estimates far exceed the starting price of some MacBook configurations that Apple currently sells, with the 13.6-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip starting at $1,199.
OLED Hikes the Price
The increase in cost is attributed to the OLED panels, which Apple has not used in iPads before. OLED panels are more expensive to source than LCD panels, and Apple's specific requirements for the screens, such as a very thin design using a tandem-stack design, contribute to the higher cost of these OLED panels compared to others on the market.
On the plus side, OLED technology not only improves display longevity and efficiency but also allows for higher brightness levels. Apple plans to source these OLED panels from Samsung and LG Display, who are rumored to be developing these special two-stack tandem OLED panels specifically for Apple.
MagSafe charging is a possibility for the upcoming iPad Pro models, and the devices are also likely to be accompanied by a refreshed version of the Magic Keyboard that includes a larger trackpad to make the iPad Pro look more like a laptop than the current models.
New iPad Air and iPad Pro models and accompanying accessories are expected to launch around the end of March, which is also when Apple plans to release iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4. For everything else we know about the forthcoming iPad Pro models, be sure to check out our dedicated roundup.
