Apple’s 2024 OLED iPad Pro Models Could Cost More Than MacBook Pros

Apple’s upcoming OLED iPad Pro models may come at a hefty price, according to a recent report by The Elec. The Korean-language publication claims that the new iPad Pro devices, slated for release in 2024, could cost up to $1,800 for the larger 12.9-inch model and $1,500 for the 11-inch model.

This pricing would represent a significant increase over Apple’s current offerings, with the 11-inch iPad Pro starting at $799 and the 12.9-inch model starting at $1,099. The OLED iPad Pro price estimates would even surpass the cost of some MacBook Pro models currently on sale, such as the 13.6-inch MacBook Air with an M2 chip starting at $1,199 and the 13-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 chip starting at $1,299.

The report cites industry sources who suggest that the main reason for the price increase is the high cost of OLED panel procurement. The panels are being developed by Samsung and LG Display and require the use of production processes that have not been combined before for OLED panels of the required size. As a result, the processes involved in making the 11-inch and 13-inch panels could cost as much as $270 and $350, respectively.

Apple is switching to OLEDs for iPad Pros because it will be a better experience. But Apple’s display requirements will lead to a more expensive OLED panel than the other OLEDs panels on the market which are lower cost than MiniLED. They are going for a very thin, tandem stack… https://t.co/iKfoMW4cUA

— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) March 9, 2023

Despite the high cost, some in the industry see the move to OLED technology as a positive for Apple’s customer base. However, others are concerned that the high prices may make it difficult to maintain sales, given that iPads lack the replacement demand of iPhones.

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The report notes that current OLED iPad Pro price estimates could change in the future as the panels are still in development, and panel suppliers such as Samsung, LG, and BOE may be concerned about how Apple’s OLED iPad Pro prices and shipment forecasts could negatively affect profits and production line investment.

Samsung is set to invest in eighth-generation OLED production lines, which could result in lower-costing panels, but these panels have already been earmarked for Apple’s future OLED MacBooks, which are also expected to debut in 2024.