Report: Thinner Design Expected for iPad Air and iPad Pro 2024 Models Due to Rumored OLED Displays
Thinner Designs Anticipated for Upcoming iPad Air and iPad Pro Models
Apple is gearing up to unveil new iPad Pro and iPad Air models this year, marking a return to refreshing its tablet lineup after skipping updates in 2023. Reports suggest that the upcoming iPad Air will be powered by Apple’s in-house M2 chip, while the iPad Pro could receive the more advanced M3 chip found in the latest MacBook Pro models. Now, a recent report has divulged the complete dimensions of these highly anticipated tablets.
According to sources familiar with the matter cited by 9to5Mac, the new iPad Air is expected to be available in two display sizes, including a new 12.9-inch variant alongside the traditional 10.9-inch model. The larger 12.9-inch iPad Air is purported to share identical dimensions with the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro, albeit with a slightly slimmer profile. The report suggests that the larger iPad Air will measure 280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.0mm, showcasing a reduction in thickness compared to its predecessor.
Meanwhile, the upcoming iPad Pro models are anticipated to experience a modest increase in size coupled with a reduction in thickness. This change is attributed to the introduction of new OLED displays for the Pro variant tablets, which boast fewer layers compared to traditional LCD displays, resulting in a sleeker overall design.
As per the report, the new 11-inch iPad Pro is expected to measure 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.1mm, showcasing a reduction in thickness from the current model. Similarly, the larger 12.9-inch model is projected to measure 281.5mm x 215.5mm x 5.0mm, marking a 1.4mm reduction in thickness compared to its predecessor.
Bear in mind that these dimensions are just estimates and the final product could turn out to be different. Apple has not yet confirmed the new iPad models, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that a refreshed iPad Air and iPad Pro lineup could arrive by March.
Additionally, the iPad Pro models are also likely to be the first Apple tablets to get OLED displays, which bring better contrast and black levels compared to mini-LED screens. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, too, had said last year that the new iPad Pro tablets would likely ditch the mini-LED displays for OLED screens.
Last month, alleged CAD (computer-aided design) renders of the purported 2.9-inch iPad Air surfaced online, hinting at the design and form factor of the upcoming tablet. The renders suggested a slight redesign of the camera unit, a slimmer body, and a USB Type-C port for charging.