OLED iPad Pro and new iPad Air on track for early May launch

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Apple’s long-rumored (and apparently delayed) OLED iPad Pro with M3 chip could launch in early May. Alongside the Pro iPads, Apple will seemingly unveil a new iPad Air, third-gen Apple Pencil, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard.

To prepare for the impending launch of the new iPads, Apple’s retail stores will soon receive new product marketing materials.

New iPad Pro and Air a month away from launch

There have been many conflicting reports about the launch of the OLED iPad Pro. Initial leaks pointed to a March 2024 release. But as the rumored timeframe approached, leaks claimed Apple delayed the iPad’s launch due to panel shipment issues and incomplete software.

More recently, the rumor mill indicated a March 26 debut for the OLED iPad Pro. However, this was also shot down by reliable Apple reporter Mark Gurman.

In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Gurman sources suggest the launch will “happen the week of May 6.” This reconfirms a leak from late March, which also claimed a similar launch timeframe.

The complex new OLED panels are the reason behind the delay in the iPad’s launch.

Switching to OLED displays should significantly upgrade the user experience. However, this will come at a cost, with the new iPad Pros seemingly carrying a higher price tag than the $799 starting price of the current models.

Refreshed iPad mini and entry-level iPad coming later in 2024

Apple reportedly has a new iPad mini and low-cost iPad in development as well. They will arrive towards the end of the year. Unlike the OLED iPad Pro, the two models will sport minor upgrades.

Reportedly, the iPad mini will only get a processor upgrade. As for the entry-level iPad, it will be a cutdown version of the current 10th gen iPad.

Engineers at Apple are also working on a foldable iPad. However, its in early stages of development. Like Samsung, Apple has also seemingly not figured out how to create a foldable display without a crease. If the company’s engineers cannot find a workaround to this problem, the foldable iPad might never launch.