Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Air Could Feature a 'Pro' Display
Apple is widely anticipated to refresh its iPad Pro and iPad Air lineups next month. Among the entries include a new and larger 12.9-inch iPad Air. Initially, it was thought the larger iPad model would share most of the specifications with the smaller counterpart, but it is now shaping up to feature a better display.
In a fresh X post by Ross Young, the leaker and display consultant mentioned the upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air will feature mini LED technology as opposed to regular LCD as expected in the new 10.9-inch iPad Air and the current iPad Air (review) model.
Why is mini LED is better than conventional LCD?
Mini LED technology is used in the existing iPad Pro and this type of LCD has a few advantages over conventional LCDs. Essentially, with the use of mini LED as a backlighting component, the display outputs a higher brightness level and better contrast. It also delivers more precise backlight and enhanced dynamic range (HDR) as well as improved power efficiency for a longer battery life.
Young has noted that Apple intends to use the excess mini LED panels for the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro (review), which also appears as a cost-cutting measure by the Cupertino tech company.
Based on what we know, Apple won't be able to use these panels because it is switching to OLED screens in the new iPad Pro tablets. In addition, the display sizes of the 2024 OLED iPad Pro are slightly larger than their predecessors.
It is unclear whether the display will receive a higher refresh rate. However, knowing this is the same panel as the 2022 iPad Pro, there's a big chance we will see a faster display output.
Concerning the upcoming smaller iPad Air, the tipster mentioned they will stick with a conventional LCD screen, although it could also benefit from an improved refresh rate as well.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is set to announce the new iPad tablets sometime in the first fortnight of May. It is believed the entire iPad Pro and iPad Air catalogs will be powered by an M3 chipset. A new Apple Pencil 3 and Magic Keyboard accessories are also expected to be made official, too.
Which among these iPads do you intend to buy and why? What do you think of the larger iPad Air? Let us hear your opinion.
Source: Ross Young on X
