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A new industry report claims Apple will announce two new iPad Pro models before the end of March, with suppliers preparing 8.5 million OLED panels to save supply lines are full until the end of the year.
Previous reports claimed that production of the new iPad Pro began in February. However, a new report from Digitimes confirms other sources claiming that Apple has cut orders for the device.
In January 2024, it was reported that Apple initially ordered 10 million OLED panels for all of 2024, but cut that order to 2 million. It was said that Samsung would keep the order for 4 million, but Apple would reduce its order for LG Display from 6 million to 4 or 5 million.
Digitimes now claims that Apple's total order is 8.5 million OLED panels. It says the entire order is split between Samsung and LG Display.
It is reported that LG will produce the panel for the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and will produce 4.5 million screens throughout 2024. Samsung is working on an 11-inch iPad Pro and is expected to ship 4 million displays in 2024.
Digitimes reports that Apple is believed to spend $2.9 billion on OLED displays. This is based on a reported component cost of $290 for the 11-inch screen and $390 for the 12.9-inch version.
It is reported that to fulfill the order, Samsung has decided to build a new line for the production of 8.6 generation OLED displays. LG Display is reported to be adjusting its investment schedule for its 8.6 generation manufacturing facility.
Digitimes specifically states that these OLED panels are designed for the iPad Pro. In October 2023, it was also reported that Apple would release a 12.9-inch version of the iPad Air.
Overall, Digitimes has a good reputation for Apple supply chain information. However, it has a significantly less accurate extrapolation of Apple's actions.
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