The next-generation iPad Air has long been rumoured to come in two sizes, mirroring the iPad Pro lineup for the first time. And while the next iPad Pro will switch to OLED for its display technology, the upcoming larger iPad Air looks set to use the Mini LED technology found in the current iPad Pro generation.
This information comes from Display Supply Chain Consultants’ Ross Young, who is usually a reliable source for this kind of information. The move to Mini LED for the 12.9″ iPad Air would result in lower power consumption, better brightness for HDR content, and deeper blacks compared to the IPS LCD technology in the current iPad Air.
Apparently, Apple had some leftover Mini LED panels manufactured for the current generation 12.9″ iPad Pro that it now plans to use for the Air. This decision makes sense considering how slow its tablet sales have been in recent months. It is still a positive move for the Air line, and with the upcoming larger iPad Air model, those who want a 12.9″ Apple tablet will be able to get one for less money than the Pro.
While Young didn’t mention anything about the screen technology used in the upcoming 10.9-inch iPad Air, the logical guess is that it will still use IPS LCD panels since there is no 10.9-inch iPad Pro in production that could have leftover Mini LED panels available. Unless Apple switches to 11″ for the smaller variant.
The new iPad Air models are expected to officially debut next month, along with the new iPad Air tablets.