Apple Plans OLED Upgrade for iPad Mini 7 with Samsung’s Display Technology

Highlights

• Apple transitioning entire iPad lineup to OLED technology
• Samsung developing 8-inch OLED samples for iPad mini 7
• Mass production of displays expected in the second half of 2025
• iPad mini 7 with OLED display likely arriving in 2026

The plans by Apple to transition the entire lineup of its iPads to OLED technology are gradually materializing.

Though the M4 iPad Pro is supposed to be the first one in line for such a display upgrade, the next device to be upgraded is rumored to be the iPad mini 7, with Samsung reportedly developing samples of 8-inch OLED displays for Apple’s evaluation.

Insights from the Industry and Timeline

As it is reported, Samsung has started working on 8-inch OLED samples for Apple, which suggests that the iPad mini 7 may retain the 8.3-inch display size of its predecessor, the iPad mini 6.

After the first round of approvals, Samsung will reportedly start mass production of the displays in the second half of 2025.

An industry insider shed light on the progress, stating, “I understand that Samsung Display began developing samples for the OLED iPad mini last month at Apple’s request. After developing initial samples in the first half of this year, we will be able to enter the development stage for mass production within the year.”

Tandem OLED and Cost Considerations

While there is no definite information regarding Tandem OLED technology for the iPad mini 7, just like with the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro, Apple might choose to forego the tech for the mini line.

The first and most obvious reason behind it could be the cost factor, as Tandem OLED panels are costlier in mass production compared to their mini-LED alternatives.

Renowned analyst Ross Young, the founder and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, said he was amazed at how Apple managed to price the 11-inch iPad Pro at just $999; he had originally estimated the new tablets could be 50 percent more expensive just due to switching to Tandem OLED displays alone.

Potential Strategies and Timelines

Keeping the price tag on the iPad mini 7 competitive, Apple could join forces with Samsung to come up with an inexpensive OLED solution, enabling the tech behemoth to include said displays in devices without bumping up their respective retail prices all that much.

But the wait for the iPad mini 7 with its OLED display bump could be long, as reports in the media have indicated that the device is not scheduled to arrive before 2026.

FAQs

Which iPads are transitioning to OLED displays?

Apple plans to transition its entire iPad lineup to OLED technology, starting with the M4 iPad Pro and followed by the iPad mini 7.

What display size is expected for the iPad mini 7?

The iPad mini 7 is rumored to retain the 8.3-inch display size of its predecessor, the iPad mini 6, with Samsung developing 8-inch OLED samples.

When will the OLED displays for the iPad mini 7 enter mass production?

Samsung is expected to start mass production of the 8-inch OLED displays in the second half of 2025, following initial sample development and approval.

Is Apple using Tandem OLED technology for the iPad mini 7?

There is no definite information regarding the use of Tandem OLED technology for the iPad mini 7, and cost considerations may lead Apple to forego this technology for the mini line.

What are the potential benefits of using OLED displays in iPads?

OLED displays offer improved color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to traditional LCDs, enhancing the overall visual experience.