Apple has selected Samsung Display as the primary supplier of OLED panels for the next iPad Air, due in 2026. This decision was made after considering Samsung’s superior manufacturing capabilities compared to its competitor, LG Display, at least according to what The Elec reports.
Better production capacity
Samsung Display, known for its high production capabilities, operates the A3 line capable of producing 135,000 OLED units per month. These panels are mainly intended for the iPhone and the newer iPad Pro M4, devices with better brightness and efficiency. In contrast, LG Display’s production lines, E6-1 to E6-3, dedicated to OLEDs for the iPhone, have significantly lower capacity: we are talking about 45,000 units per monthwith the E6-4 line, a number that becomes even lower for OLEDs for iPad, only 15,000 units per month.
Apple’s strategy of switching its iPad Air and iPad mini to OLED technology will be implemented soon, with the iPad Air expected in 2026 and the iPad mini in 2027. However, reports from ET News and ZDNET Korea suggest a simultaneous update for both models in 2026while other sources push the 13-inch iPad Air’s OLED upgrade back to 2027.
The upcoming iPad Air OLED will retain an 11-inch display, while the iPad mini’s is expected to grow larger, from 8.3 inches to 8.7 inches.
Apple’s Transition to OLED
Unlike the dual-layer LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) OLED panels used in the latest iPad Pro models, the new iPad mini and iPad Air will feature single-layer LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) panels. This means that Displays may be less bright and lack ProMotion technology, in line with Apple’s goal of reducing production costs (and in line with the target of the related devices).
Despite LG Display’s expertise in producing high-quality OLED panels, the need for larger quantities of OLED panels single-layer for the iPad Air makes Samsung the perfect supplier, allowing Apple to meet its sales goals for upcoming models.
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