Kuo mentions that there are concerns about quality and costs. He writes this to a note to investors. Last March, Kuo was still certain: an iPad Air with an OLED screen would arrive in 2022. Instead, the focus in 2022 will be on realizing a mini LED screen in the 11-inch iPad Pro. Only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro currently has a mini LED screen. In addition to the aforementioned concerns about whether it will work properly and whether it will not be too expensive, according to Kuo, there is something else at play. Apple is said to be concerned that an OLED iPad Air will hinder the sale of the 11-inch iPad Pro. In terms of screen size, they are almost the same.
‘No OLED in iPad Air 2022’
A TFT-LCD screen is coming again for the iPad Air, although Meanwhile, Apple is investigating the possibilities of new screen technologies. For example, Apple would have been working with Samsung to develop an OLED screen for the iPad Air, but those plans are now on hold. We don't expect a new iPad Air this year either. The colorful model from 2020 is therefore still recommended. This is equipped with the new design and a USB-C connection. The main thing it lacks compared to other iPad models is Center Stage for FaceTime.
‘No mini LED for iPad Air’
According to Kuo, the trends for the next 3 to 5 years can be summarized with ‘lighter, thinner and foldable’. As far as mini-LED is concerned, it will mainly be reserved for the more expensive (Pro) iPads because of the higher price and better protection against burn-in. These are iPads that are used very intensively. In addition, Apple would like to put mini LED in the MacBook Air. This could happen as early as 2022.