M5 iPad Pro OLED Production Begins, Launch Expected in October

According to reports, Apple is expected to unveil its new iPad Pro models later this year, powered by the advanced M5 chip. In preparation for this release, Samsung Display and LG Display have commenced production readiness for the OLED panels designated for these devices.

The 2024 iPad Pro will mark Apple's first adoption of OLED technology for its display lineup, with Samsung Display manufacturing the 11-inch panels and LG Display producing the 13-inch variants. This dual-sourcing approach reflects Apple's ongoing efforts to diversify its supply chain and enhance OLED integration.

Looking ahead, Apple is reportedly planning further OLED adoption across its iPad series, targeting an OLED introduction for the iPad mini in 2026 and the iPad Air in 2027. This signals a strategic shift towards broader OLED implementation in future product lines.

Beyond the display upgrade, the 2024 M4 iPad Pro model introduced a thinner and lighter design and new features including support for the Apple Pencil Pro. The upcoming M5 iPad Pro is anticipated to offer incremental updates, primarily centered around the new M5 chip. This chip is built on TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm process technology, delivering enhanced performance and energy efficiency.

A subtle design change is also expected: the Apple logo on the back of the device may be reoriented from vertical to horizontal, ensuring it remains upright when the iPad is used in landscape mode, such as with a keyboard attachment.

Industry insiders have speculated that the new iPad Pro models could launch around October 2024. For context, the current M4 iPad Pro was released in May 2024.