The Next iPad Pro May Be More Expensive

Apple may increase the price of its next generation 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, according to a new report from The Elec.

It's widely rumored that Apple is planning to move to OLED display panels in 2024; however, the change is expected to increase panel costs by 2-3x.

It was found that Apple, LG Display, and Samsung Display are discussing the supply price of OLED panels for iPads scheduled to be released next year at around $270 for the 11-inch model and $350 for the 13-inch model. The existing 10-inch low-end IT product OLED panel supply price is around US$100-150.


The Elec says panel prices are higher because Apple is introducing new processes not found in existing panels, including a two-stack tandem structure, a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin film transistor (TFT), and a hybrid OLED structure (glass substrate + thin film encapsulation).

Since development of the new panels has not finished, price negotiations are likely to begin in the summer. No matter the final cost, the new panels will be more expensive and the site believes these costs will be forwarded to customers.

Apple prioritizes product perfection. Because of this, it seems that they will not try to lower the price unreasonably. However, the variable is how far the company will accept the final price increase rate of the OLED-equipped iPad. The price of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the existing mini light-emitting diode (LED)-liquid crystal display (LCD) model, starts at $1,099. The base price of the regular LCD model 11.0-inch iPad Pro is $799. If the panel procurement cost, which accounts for the largest portion of material cost, rises 2 to 3 times, it will inevitably have a big impact on the final product price.

Currently, LG is developing an 11-inch and 13-inch panel and Samsung is developing just one 11-inch model; however, this could change closer to production. Notably, a recent Apple evaluation purportedly found that both LG and Samsung have yet to produce panels that meet the company's requirements.


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