Major Performance Boost Expected for OLED iPad Pro with M5 Chip as Supplier Starts Mass Production of Key Component

Apple is gearing up for an exciting lineup of product launches this Spring, including the new iPad Air models and the iPhone SE 4. Leaks suggest that while the iPad Air will be equipped with the innovative M3 chip, the anticipated iPad Pro update might be postponed to later in the year. Current reports indicate that the iPad Pro is set to debut in the latter half of 2023, likely coinciding with the release of the M5 MacBook Pro models.

Upcoming Launch: The OLED iPad Pro with M5 Chip

According to a recent report from The Elec, Apple intends to unveil an updated iPad Pro equipped with enhanced internal components by late this year. Notably, the external aesthetic of the Pro models will remain consistent with the current generation, featuring a sleek design with 11-inch and 13-inch display sizes. This design continuity makes sense, especially considering the recent redesign that significantly slimmed down the iPad Pro.

Past reports hinted that Apple might delay the iPad Pro update until next year, primarily due to potential production challenges associated with the M5 chip. It’s projected that mass production of this next-generation chip won’t commence until the latter half of 2025. Consequently, if Apple aims to maintain its traditional Spring timeline, the launch of the OLED iPad Pro with the M5 chip would likely be pushed to 2026.

The report indicates that the OLED iPad Pro will feature only “minor”enhancements this year, suggesting minimal external changes. However, internal upgrades with the M5 chip stand out as a significant enhancement. Moreover, it is highlighted that South Korea’s LX Semicon is set to supply display drivers for the new iPad Pro, with mass production scheduled between April and May. If these developments are confirmed, a launch by the year’s end seems plausible.

It’s worth noting that the expected launch timeline for the M5 iPad Pro aligns with industry analyst Mark Gurman’s predictions, although he has speculated that the release could potentially extend into early next year. Meanwhile, Apple is preparing to introduce the M3 iPad Air, the iPad 11 with the A17 Pro chip, and the redesigned iPhone SE 4 in the upcoming months. Given these developments, do you believe Apple will indeed launch the OLED iPad Pro with the M5 chip this year?

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