In a much-anticipated move, Apple is set to introduce a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air as part of its comprehensive iPad lineup refresh in early 2024. Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that this lineup overhaul will address the lack of movement in the iPad range this year, with a focus on two iPad Air models taking center stage in Apple’s launch roadmap.
Kuo’s insights indicate that Apple’s strategy involves updating all existing models, beginning with a revamped 10.9-inch and the introduction of a new 12.9-inch iPad Air. The latter, featuring a new chip, is scheduled for mass production in the first quarter of 2024. Unlike the previous speculation, the new 12.9-inch iPad Air will boast an LCD screen without the mini-LED technology found in the current iPad Pro models. However, it will benefit from the same oxide backplane, promising enhanced display performance compared to the current 10.9-inch iPad Air.
Following this, Apple has plans to launch OLED iPad Pro models in the second quarter, featuring a redesigned chassis and the new M3 chip. The 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models are expected to make waves with their upgraded specifications.
The later part of 2024 will witness the introduction of a new iPad mini and an 11th-generation iPad, representing a fresh iteration of Apple’s most affordable tablet. This move signifies the discontinuation of the 9th-generation iPad, which is currently available alongside the 10th-generation model in Apple’s product lineup.
Despite these exciting developments, Kuo anticipates only modest gains in iPad shipments compared to this year, projecting approximately 52-54 million units in 2024. This estimate falls short of Apple’s peak of 63 million iPads shipped in 2022 during the pandemic.
While Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman aligns with the idea of an iPad lineup update in 2024, his timeline slightly differs from Kuo’s. Gurman doesn’t mention the larger iPad Air and suggests that low- to mid-range iPads could see updates as early as March 2024. He also expects the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models with the M3 chip and OLED displays to launch in the first half of 2024. The next iPad Air and iPad mini are likely to be equipped with M2 and A16 Bionic chips, respectively.
The 2024 iPad lineup promises a blend of innovation and performance upgrades, maintaining Apple’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its diverse user base.
