Apple's iPad Air lineup is anticipated to receive a significant display upgrade in the first half of 2027, with both the 11-inch and 13-inch models expected to feature OLED screens. This move would introduce the superior contrast and deeper blacks associated with OLED technology, replacing the current LCD panels used in these more affordable tablets.
However, this display enhancement will not bring all premium features to the iPad Air. According to industry reports, the upcoming iPad Air models are projected to utilize a single-stack OLED structure with a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) backplane. This differs from the iPad Pro, which employs a more advanced tandem OLED design, featuring two light-emitting layers and an LTPO backplane.
ProMotion Remains a Pro-Exclusive Feature
A key implication of this hardware difference is that the iPad Air is expected to retain a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Consequently, Apple's ProMotion technology, which enables variable refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more responsive input on the iPad Pro, will likely remain exclusive to the higher-end Pro models.
OLED Panel Supply Chain
Samsung Display is projected to be the primary supplier of OLED panels for the 2027 iPad Air models. China's BOE is also reportedly vying for orders for one of the two screen sizes, provided it qualifies as an Apple supplier. For the iPad Pro, LG Display is expected to maintain its lead in panel supply.
Market Expectations and Shipments
Industry estimates suggest that combined shipments for the iPad Air and iPad mini could reach between 4 million and 5 million units each in 2027. In comparison, the iPad Pro is forecasted to see shipments of 3 million to 4 million units for the same period. This Pro forecast is notably lower than its initial pre-launch annual target of around 10 million units, with higher pricing cited as a factor impacting demand.
The adoption of OLED displays on the iPad Air follows their introduction on the iPad Pro in 2024 and the 8.5-inch OLED iPad mini, which launched on November 6. The iPad Air would become the third iPad series to integrate this advanced display technology.