Apple's 2024 OLED iPad Pro models could be vastly more expensive than existing iPad Pros and may cost even more than some MacBook Pros currently on sale, according to a new report.
The website MacRumours reports that industry sources cited by The Elec say that Apple is already considering its pricing strategy for next year's two OLED iPad Pro models, with current estimates starting at $1,500 (£1,250) and $1,800 (£1,500) for the 11-inch and 13-inch models.
It says that price estimates even eclipse the price of some MacBook Pro models currently on sale. According to the Korean-language report, the industry response to the price hikes is divided, with some considering them a reasonable increase given the switch to superior OLED technology that will attract Apple's loyal customer base, while others believe the prices will make it difficult to maintain sales because iPads lack the replacement demand of iPhones.
MacRumours reports that the main reason for the increases is said to be the high cost of materials . It says that Apple is currently believed to be in discussion with Samsung and LG Display about the price of supplying the OLED panels, the specifications for which will require the use of production processes that have not been combined before for OLED panels of the required size.
That would make the 11-inch device over 80 per cent more expensive than the existing 11-inch iPad Pro with LED Liquid Retina display and the 13-inch model over 60 per cent more expensive than the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro with mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display.
According to The Elec, the supply price of OLED panels for existing 10-inch devices is around $100 (£83) to $150 (£125), whereas the outlay for the processes involved in making Apple's required 11-inch and 13-inch panels may be closer to $270 (£225) and $350 (£293). However, current OLED iPad Pro price estimates could change in the future and the report says that, with the OLED panels scheduled to be delivered by LG and Samsung still in the development stage, prices have not been finalised.
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It says that Samsung is to invest in eighth-generation OLED production lines which should "theoretically" result in lower-costing panels but these have already been earmarked for Apple's future OLED MacBooks, which are also expected to hit the market next year.
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