Apple plans to introduce OLED displays for iPad Air and iPad mini in 2026

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce OLED screens to its iPad Air and iPad mini in 2026. This information comes from a new report that also states a new 12.9-inch iPad Air will be released in 2027. Previously, there were rumors that Apple would use OLED screens in the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro in 2024 and 2026, respectively. Now, Korean publication ETNews adds that after the iPad Pro in 2024, the iPad Air and iPad mini will also receive single-stack OLED screens in 2026. In 2027, Apple is expected to have OLED screens in both a revised iPad Pro and a new 12.9-inch iPad Air.

It is worth noting that the iPad Pro was originally expected to use a double-stack OLED screen. However, OLED screens have a shorter lifespan, and using a double-stack version would significantly extend it. Apple was willing to change suppliers to obtain this improvement, as Samsung initially refused to develop a double-stack system exclusively for them. However, Samsung reportedly changed its stance to win back orders from Apple.

The ETNews report does not mention the use of double-stack displays for any models. However, it does suggest that the 2027 revision of the iPad Pro will feature a “next-generation panel” that improves light efficiency through Color Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology. This could potentially reduce power consumption by 20% and may even support an under-screen camera for features like Face ID.

One interesting detail in the report is that the 2026 iPad mini is listed as having an 8.7-inch screen, whereas the current model has an 8.3-inch screen.