Apple is finally ready to give the iPad Mini OLED treatment and the rest of its mid-range lineup isn’t far behind. But while the visuals are set to improve, they won’t come cheap.
iPad Mini OLED likely arriving first
According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to debut OLED tech on the iPad Mini OLED as early as 2025. This would mark the Mini’s biggest screen upgrade since its redesign, bringing deeper blacks and richer color to Apple’s smallest tablet.
Codenamed J510, the new Mini may also get a more durable, water-resistant chassis. Apple engineers are reportedly testing a sealed speaker system using vibration tech to eliminate water-prone ports.
iPad Air and MacBook Air to follow
The transition won’t happen all at once. Here’s how the OLED rollout looks right now:
- iPad Mini OLED: Targeted for 2025
- iPad Air: Next model sticks with LCD; OLED version likely in 2026
- MacBook Air: OLED upgrade planned, but not before 2028
Until then, the iPad Air and MacBook Air will continue using LCD panels with incremental internal upgrades.
iPad Mini OLED may ship with a price bump
While OLED screens bring obvious benefits, they aren’t cheap. The source suggests Apple could raise prices by up to $100 per device once the new displays land.
For a lineup that’s historically been Apple’s most affordable, this shift could make it and its Air siblings feel more premium but also less budget-friendly.
Android is already pushing OLED mid-range
Android rivals have started embracing OLED in the mid-tier space, which likely pressured Apple to respond. Samsung, OnePlus, and Lenovo already offer OLED panels in tablets under $500.
By extending this tech to the iPad Mini OLED, iPad Air, and eventually the MacBook Air, Apple is clearly aiming to maintain its edge though not without making customers pay for it.
Better screens, slower rollout
The iPad Mini OLED is shaping up as the first step in a longer strategy. Apple is taking its time, but once these upgrades land, its mid-range devices will look a lot less middle-of-the-road.
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