The rumors of Apple launching a new iPad Pro in April weren’t exaggerated — it should still happen — but it may be available in limited quantities at launch.
This is according to a new report by Bloomberg, whose sources say that Apple’s suppliers are having trouble producing the new MiniLED displays that Apple plans to use on the new, 12.9-inch iPad Pro. At least one company manufacturing the MiniLED display for Apple recently had to pause production due to poor yields, the report claims.
According to Bloomberg, Apple will launch the new iPad Pro in two sizes “as early as this month,” but only the larger, 12.9-inch model will have the MiniLED display. That model is the one that may be in short supply at launch, or may even ship at a later date than the smaller variant.
MiniLED is a new type of display that beats both LCDs and OLEDs in certain regards (deep blacks, crisp colors, better contrast than LCD, but cheaper than OLED), and rumors about Apple launching laptops and tablets with such displays have been around for years.
As for other specs, the new iPad Pro models will have a “much faster processor on par with the custom M1 chip in its latest Macs,” as well as a faster USB-C port that will allow connecting with a wider range of monitors, cameras, and other accessories.
The new report makes no mention of the iPad mini, which was reportedly getting a redesign as well. Apple is also widely expected to launch its Bluetooth tracking device, the AirTags.