This March, Apple could present its new iPad Pro. And there would be a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a mini-LED type screen instead of LCDs.
Every year, Apple updates its iPads. But when it comes to screens, the Cupertino company has always been content to use LCD technology.
However, for several months, rumors had circulated suggesting that the Cupertino company finally intends to switch to a new technology. And this week, it becomes clearer.
Indeed, in an article published recently, the MacRumours site relays an info from Digitimes which suggests that this year, Apple could finally begin the transition from iPads to mini-LED technology, in place of LCD screens. Specifically, according to this source, Apple could release a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a mini-LED type screen.
A significant improvement
While at the moment this is unofficial information that should be viewed with caution, it should be noted that this would be an important development. Indeed, compared to LCDs, mini-LED screens should allow improvements such as an increase in brightness, better contrasts, but also better energy efficiency of the screen.
What is rather strange is that only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is rumored to be rumored, while generally the 12.9-inch model and the smaller version of the iPad Pro have almost the same specs. Otherwise, normally the next iPad Pros should also benefit from an A14X processor, an optimized version of the A14 Bionic from the iPhone 12.
A launch on March 23?
At the moment, we do not know when Apple will unveil its new iPad Pro. But it’s important to remember that in 2020, the previous generation iPad Pros were unveiled in March. Also, it makes sense to think that the new 2021 models could be launched very soon.
By the way, there is also a rumor circulating about this. A few days ago, Jon Prosser, a source of leaks who is regularly relayed by the media, indicated that he had heard of an Apple event on March 23 (the same day as the OnePlus event for the OnePlus 9 ).
In addition, sites also mention the products that Apple could unveil. In addition to its new iPad tablets, the Cupertino company could also (finally!) Present its AirTags for locating objects. The AirPods 3 could also be unveiled by Apple.
Increased demand for tablets during the health crisis
In any case, the launch of these new iPad Pro tablets could be of particular importance in the current context. Indeed, like sales of computers, sales of tablets increased worldwide in 2020. An increase that is directly attributed to teleworking and distance education.
“The global tablet market had an exceptional fourth quarter (4Q20) with 19.5% year-over-year growth and shipments totaling 52.2 million units, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker. Impacted by the pandemic, the tablet market has reached shipping levels not seen since the fourth quarter of 2017 when the total was 49.9 million “, read an IDC publication on the subject.
In addition, for the whole of 2020, tablet shipments increased by 13.6% to reach 164.1 million units. And in this market, Apple remained the leader, with a volume of 53.2 million units shipped, a share of 32.5%.
But the brand that has benefited the most from the surge in demand is Samsung. In fact, in 2020, Samsung saw its shipments increase by 44.4% to reach 31.3 million units shipped.
“The company shipped 10.1 million units in the quarter and 31.3 million units for 2020. It remains the largest supplier of Android tablets with successful products such as the Galaxy Tab A and the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, ”IDC explains.
Also, we expect the iPad Pro to fill up with new features in order to remain competitive against competition from Samsung products.