Apple To Add New 12.9-inch iPad Air To The Lineup In 2024

In 2024, Apple is set to refresh its iPad lineup with several new models, including an intriguing addition to the iPad Air series. According to a prominent Apple analyst, a new 12.9-inch variant of the iPad Air is in the works, marking a significant expansion of the iPad Air range.

Apple’s plans for 2024 include the introduction of new models across its iPad range, with the spotlight often on the iPad mini and iPad Pro. However, in a recent report by TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, it appears that the iPad Air, which often doesn’t receive as much attention, is slated for an exciting update.

Kuo’s report, published in a Medium post on Sunday, indicates that two iPad Air models are scheduled to enter mass production in the first quarter of 2024. The lineup will include the existing 10.9-inch model alongside the new 12.9-inch version. Notably, the larger iPad Air won’t feature the mini-LED technology found in its iPad Pro counterpart but will still benefit from using a similar-spec Oxide backplane.

This isn’t the first time rumors have surfaced about a larger iPad Air. In October, a report also mentioned the possibility of a 12.9-inch size for the iPad Air. Alongside this, Kuo also mentions that two OLED iPad Pro models are expected to replace the current mini-LED versions in late Q1 or Q2 of 2024. These models are anticipated to feature new form factor designs, an M3 processor, and an OLED panel with a Tandem design and LTPO backplanes.

However, the mass production of these OLED versions is likely to be delayed to Q1 or Q2, as opposed to the initially planned early Q1. This delay is attributed to issues with the OLED panels. Kuo also raises the possibility that if the price of the new 10.9-inch iPad Air remains unchanged and the 12.9-inch variant is more expensive, Apple might increase the price of the OLED iPad Pro models to maintain a price gap between the different ranges.

Regarding the more affordable models in Apple’s lineup, Kuo believes that mass production of a new iPad mini has been pushed to the second half of 2024, diverging from an earlier prediction of Q1. The 11th-generation iPad is also expected to enter mass production in the latter half of the year. Meanwhile, the ninth-generation iPad is likely to be phased out before the end of 2024.

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