Towards the end of 2022, renowned display analyst Ross Young revealed that Apple has been working on developing new OLED iPad Pro models with screen sizes of 11.1 inches and 13 inches, and that these new models are set to be released in the first quarter of 2024.
A new report from Korea suggests that Apple’s upcoming OLED iPad Pro models could be significantly more expensive than current iPad Pro models and even some MacBook Pros currently available on the market. This could be due to the higher cost of OLED display technology, as well as other advanced features and hardware that may be included in these new iPad models. If these reports are accurate, the OLED iPad Pros could represent a major investment for consumers seeking the latest and greatest in mobile computing technology.
The Elec, a South Korean news outlet, reports that industry sources have suggested that Apple is considering a high pricing strategy for its upcoming OLED iPad Pro models, set to be released in 2024. According to the report, estimates for the 11-inch and 13-inch models start at $1,500 and $1,800, respectively. These prices are significantly higher than current iPad Pro models and may make the new devices out of reach for many consumers. However, it is important to note that this is still speculation and Apple has not officially confirmed any pricing for these upcoming models.
OLED iPad Pro models’ rumored prices for 2024:
- 11-inch OLED iPad Pro: starts at $1500
- 13-inch OLED iPad Pro: starts at $1800
If these price rumors are true, the price difference between the existing iPad Pro models and the upcoming OLED versions would be significant, with the 11-inch model being over 80% more expensive, and the 13-inch model being over 60% more expensive. The current 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with mini-LED display starts at $1,099.
The estimated prices of the upcoming OLED iPad Pro models even surpass some current MacBook Pro models on sale. For instance, the 13.6-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip starts at $1,199, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 chip starts at $1,299.
As per the report, the response from industry insiders regarding the price hike is mixed. While some believe that the shift to superior OLED technology will appeal to Apple’s loyal customer base and justify the price increase, others feel that the higher prices could discourage sales as iPads don’t have the same level of replacement demand as iPhones.
The primary factor behind the price hikes is reportedly the high cost of procuring OLED panels, which accounts for a significant portion of material costs. Apple is reportedly in talks with Samsung and LG Display to negotiate the price of supplying the panels. The production processes required to manufacture OLED panels of the necessary size for the upcoming iPad Pro models have not been combined before, further complicating matters.
The Elec reports that the cost of procuring OLED panels is typically between $100 to $150 for 10-inch devices. However, the larger size and unique production processes required for the 11-inch and 13-inch OLED panels in Apple’s upcoming iPads could increase the cost to approximately $270 and $350, respectively.
Source: The Elec