Both 11-Inch and 13-Inch iPad Air Models Expected to Get OLED

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce OLED displays across both sizes of its iPad Air lineup.

The upcoming models are expected to include:

• 11-inch iPad Air with OLED display.
• 13-inch iPad Air with OLED display.

The transition would eliminate the LCD technology currently used across the iPad Air range.

OLED displays use individually illuminated pixels, allowing them to produce deeper blacks and more precise contrast than conventional LCD panels.

This technology can also deliver richer colours, faster response times and improved viewing angles.

For users who regularly watch movies, edit photographs, read digital content or work with creative applications, the display upgrade could make a noticeable difference.

Apple introduced OLED technology to the iPad Pro in 2024 and has continued expanding its use across the tablet lineup.

With the iPad Air expected to receive the upgrade in 2027, the entry-level iPad could eventually become the only remaining tablet in Apple’s lineup without an OLED display.

Samsung Display Expected to Become Apple’s Main OLED Supplier

Samsung Display is expected to play the leading role in manufacturing OLED panels for Apple’s upcoming iPad Air models.

According to DigiTimes, the South Korean display manufacturer is expected to supply most of the panels required for the new tablets.

China’s BOE is also attempting to secure orders for one of the two iPad Air screen sizes. However, the company still needs to complete Apple’s supplier qualification process.

If BOE successfully receives approval, Apple could distribute panel orders between the two manufacturers.

The expected supplier arrangement is significant for Samsung Display because it could strengthen the company’s position as Apple’s largest OLED iPad panel supplier overall.

LG Display is expected to continue leading OLED panel supplies for the premium iPad Pro lineup.

The potential supplier distribution reflects Apple’s strategy of working with multiple manufacturers to secure display production capacity and reduce dependence on a single supplier.

Why the iPad Air May Not Get 120Hz ProMotion

Despite receiving OLED technology, the upcoming iPad Air models may not offer all the display features available on the iPad Pro.

One important difference is the expected 60Hz refresh rate.

Apple’s ProMotion technology allows supported iPad Pro displays to dynamically adjust their refresh rates, reaching up to 120Hz.

A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations, gaming and stylus interactions appear smoother.

However, the reported OLED configuration for the iPad Air is expected to retain a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

This would allow Apple to differentiate its mid-range tablets from the more expensive iPad Pro models.

The display technology is also expected to differ.

Feature	Expected OLED iPad Air	iPad Pro
Display technology	Single-stack OLED	Tandem OLED
Backplane	LTPS	LTPO
Refresh rate	60Hz	Up to 120Hz
OLED layers	One emissive stack	Two emissive stacks
Positioning	Mid-range	Premium

The iPad Pro’s tandem OLED configuration uses two light-emitting layers to improve brightness and display performance.

Its LTPO backplane also supports more flexible refresh-rate management.

The iPad Air is expected to use a comparatively affordable single-stack OLED design with an LTPS backplane.

This approach could help Apple introduce OLED technology at a lower price point while preserving important differences between its tablet categories.

What Is the Difference Between OLED and LCD Displays?

OLED and LCD are two different display technologies used in smartphones, tablets, televisions and computers.

Traditional LCD displays rely on a backlight to illuminate pixels. Even when displaying black content, some light can pass through the display system, limiting contrast.

OLED panels work differently because each pixel generates its own light.

This allows individual pixels to switch off completely when displaying black areas.

As a result, OLED displays generally offer:

• Deeper blacks: Individual pixels can switch off completely.
• Higher contrast: Bright and dark areas can be displayed with greater separation.
• Better colour reproduction: OLED panels can produce rich and vibrant colours.
• Faster response times: Pixels can change states quickly, benefiting motion and gaming.
• Improved viewing angles: Colours and contrast generally remain more consistent when viewed from different positions.

However, OLED technology can also be more expensive to manufacture, and long-term image retention remains a consideration depending on usage and panel design.

For Apple, bringing OLED to the iPad Air could represent an important upgrade without requiring customers to purchase the considerably more expensive iPad Pro.

Apple Could Ship Up to 5 Million OLED iPad Air Units in 2027

Industry estimates cited by DigiTimes suggest Apple could ship approximately 4 million to 5 million OLED iPad Air units in 2027.

The estimates cover both the 11-inch and 13-inch models.

The iPad mini is also expected to record shipments of approximately 4 million to 5 million units during the same period.

Meanwhile, OLED iPad Pro shipments are estimated at around 3 million to 4 million units.

iPad lineup	Estimated 2027 shipments
iPad Air	4–5 million
iPad mini	4–5 million
iPad Pro	3–4 million

These figures are industry estimates rather than official Apple sales forecasts.

The reported shipment outlook also suggests that Apple’s more affordable tablet categories could account for a substantial portion of its OLED iPad production.

The Bigger Picture

Apple’s expected OLED upgrade for the iPad Air reflects its broader strategy of bringing premium display technology to more affordable devices. The transition could make OLED tablets more accessible while allowing Apple to maintain product differentiation through features such as refresh rates, brightness and advanced display configurations.

The move also highlights the importance of Samsung Display and other component manufacturers in Apple’s hardware strategy. As OLED adoption expands across tablets, smartphones and eventually computers, display suppliers could benefit from increased production requirements. However, Apple’s ability to manage manufacturing costs and maintain reliable component supplies will remain important to the success of the transition.

Looking Ahead

Apple is expected to introduce the OLED-equipped iPad Air models during the first half of 2027. Both 11-inch and 13-inch versions are anticipated, with Samsung Display expected to lead panel production. BOE could also become a supplier if it successfully completes Apple’s qualification process. Apple has not officially confirmed the specifications or launch schedule.

The upcoming upgrade could make the iPad Air a more attractive option for consumers seeking OLED picture quality without paying iPad Pro prices. However, the expected 60Hz refresh rate suggests Apple will continue reserving some advanced display capabilities for its premium tablets. More details about pricing, processors, battery life and other hardware improvements should emerge closer to the launch.