(Image source from: 9to5mac.com)

Apple might introduce an OLED screen for the iPad Air in 2027, representing a significant change in its mid-range tablet lineup if the rumors turn out to be true. Samsung Display is reportedly set to start making the panels as soon as late 2026 or early 2027 to aid this change. This action highlights Apple's ongoing effort to introduce OLED technology beyond its high-end products, while also trying to maintain a balance between better display quality and costs in a market that usually sees higher sales than the Pro models. As per a report from ETNews quoting industry insiders, Apple plans to release the next iPad Air in the first half of 2027, likely around March or May. Samsung Display is predicted to provide the OLED screens and may begin mass production towards the end of this year or in January of next year to align with that schedule. This development would represent a key move in Apple's plan to implement OLED screens across its tablet offerings. The iPad Pro already transitioned to this technology in 2024, and the iPad Mini is expected to follow shortly. If the iPad Air also adopts OLED, the regular iPad will be the only model remaining with an LCD screen.

The report indicates that the iPad Air will likely utilize a more affordable OLED panel compared to the iPad Pro. It is anticipated to include a single-stack emissive layer, LTPS TFT technology, and a hybrid substrate. This configuration could assist Apple in keeping production costs manageable and preventing significant price hikes. It is said that the iPad Air usually sells more units than the iPad Pro. Therefore, Apple is likely aiming to strike a balance between enhanced display quality and reasonable pricing, according to the report. This change also follows indications that the OLED iPad Pro experienced lower demand than anticipated, partly due to its higher cost. Currently, Samsung Display and LG Display share the supply of OLED panels for the iPad Pro, but Samsung is expected to take a leading role for upcoming devices, such as the iPad Air, iPad Mini, and future MacBook Pro models, as noted in the report. Additionally, the report mentioned that market predictions show a strong growth in demand for OLED tablets over the coming years. Shipments are expected to rise steadily until 2027, with Apple anticipated to represent a significant portion of that demand as it broadens the use of OLED technology across more devices. This timeline is still reliant on supply chain information, and Apple has yet to confirm it, but several reports indicate that 2027 might be the earliest we see an OLED iPad Air.