Recently, a report from a trustworthy source indicated that Apple was planning to use leftover Mini LED displays from its current generation 12.9″ iPad Pro for the upcoming 12.9″ iPad Air. This would have been a significant improvement in display quality compared to the existing iPad Air model, but it seems that the excitement was premature.
Ross Young, a reputable analyst from Display Supply Chain Consultants, has now debunked this news. He stated that the 12.9″ iPad Air will not be equipped with Mini LED panels but will instead feature a standard IPS LCD like the current iPad Air (shown below).
This decision is reportedly due to the high cost of Mini LED displays. However, considering that these displays are leftovers intended for the current iPad Pro, it would make more sense to use them rather than discard them.
Young also mentioned that a new iPad model with a 12.9-inch Mini LED panel is expected to be released between October and December. The exact name and position of this model in Apple’s lineup remains uncertain—it could either be a higher-end iPad Air, a lower-end iPad Pro, or something else entirely.
Although the news may disappoint some, it appears that the iPad Air line will not be receiving the anticipated display upgrade. The new iPad Air and iPad Pro models are set to be unveiled at Apple’s upcoming event on May 7.