Apple to Bring OLED to iPad Air in 2027 [Report]

Apple is planning to move the iPad Air to OLED displays in 2027, according to a new report out of Korea. Samsung Display is preparing to begin mass production for the new panels as early as this December or January 2027, ahead of a launch in the first half of the year.



The timing suggests Apple will continue with its current M4 iPad Air before bringing OLED to the lineup in 2027. While the current model still relies on LCD technology, the shift would bring deeper blacks and improved contrast.


The implementation will differ slightly from the high-end M5 iPad Pro. To keep costs manageable for the mid-tier tablet, Apple is reportedly opting for a single-stack LTPS OLED design. This approach is simpler than the dual-stack tandem OLED used in the Pro models. By using a hybrid substrate and standard thin-film transistors, Apple can offer the visual benefits of OLED while maintaining the iPad Air's position as a more affordable alternative to the Pro.

Samsung Display is expected to supply panels for the device. This transition aligns with Apple's broader move toward OLED across its product lineup.

Once the iPad Air makes the switch, the standard iPad will be the only model left in the family using an LCD. Apple is currently preparing an update for that base iPad with an A18 chip, but it is expected to keep the older screen tech to maintain its entry-level positioning. The iPad Air will become the fourth major Apple product category to move to OLED, following the iPad Pro, the upcoming OLED MacBook Pro, and the iPad mini.

Industry analysts at Omdia project that demand for tablet-sized OLED panels will reach 21 million units by 2027. Apple is expected to account for roughly two-thirds of that global market.