Apple recently launched a new iPad Air 2020 with an all-new design. It launched with thinner bezels that provides a slightly larger screen. It also comes with Apple’s A14 Bionic chip. They are still among the best-in-class processors. Now, rumours suggest that this variant might get a refresh next year – iPad Air 2022. However, it might not be the case this time around. Although rumours surrounding the expected launch hinted towards an upgrade in the display.
According to the Elec, Apple has called off its project with Samsung for the OLED display. This was reportedly going to be used in next year’s iPad Air 2022. It also states that Apple cancelled the project either due to the single stack structure of OLED panels or profitability issues. Single stack refers to the current widely used OLED panel structure were red, green and blue form one emission layer.
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Now, Apple had requested a two-stack tandem structure instead for the OLED panel. They wanted to use this tech on its iPad Air 2022. The structure stacks two red, green and blue emission layers instead of just one. In the end, this doubles the brightness and extends the panel’s life by up to four times. Now, the company wanted this tech because iPads are usually used longer by consumers than smartphones.
This is leading to a problem because Samsung currently manufacturers only a single stack structure. Moreover, from Samsung’s perspective, the costs of a two-stack system are reportedly not viable. Especially, unless the iPad Air 2022 would be sold for a long time.
According to Kuo, in the note seen by Appleinsider, Apple is expected to “continue to use TFT-LCD technology in 2022.” This is apparently both for “marketing and technical reasons”. Kuo states that Apple had cancelled its OLED iPad Air is that it could be detrimental to the sales of the forthcoming 11-inch iPad Pro with a mini-LED display.
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On the other hand, Apple is also reportedly planning to use LTPS, rather than LTPO display technology. It means another change for Samsung on its production lines at great expense. Whatever might be the issue, the mainline is that Apple is not launching the iPad Air 2022 in the near future. Meanwhile, DSCC’s Ross Young, states that the OLED iPad Air 2022 will launch in 2024. He also states that Apple will partner with LG Displays for the OLED iPad Air. This is expecting to hit production in 2023. However, Apple will launch the OLED iPad only in 2024, according to Young.
Sushmita Choubey
Marketer to the core, a writer from the soul. Engineer and an MBA turned budding tech writer - dabbling her hands in all genres of writing from tech to fiction. If not writing, you will always find me reading anything and everything. Otherwise, you will find me learning new languages.