The current-generation iPad Air has a display size of 10.9 inches, and according to the latest reports, Apple is expected to launch a 12.9-inch model soon, making it the same size as the iPad Pro. Now, according to a display analyst, shipments of this panel will start later this month, hinting at a ‘sooner than expected’ launch.

Super-sized iPad Air will feature aesthetic and specification differences to prevent confusion between the bigger iPad Pro

Apple has already been reported to be preparing a bigger version of the iPad Air, with Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) founder and CEO Ross Young stating on X that shipments of the tablet’s display will happen later this month. Since Young has an exceptional track record, his prediction indicates that Apple will be looking to unveil the larger slate earlier, making it the first time the company intends to add such a product to its iPad lineup.

For those who believe that a 12.9-inch iPad Air will make the entire iPad range even more confusing to choose from, there will be a bevy of differences separating this version from the ‘Pro’ duo. The biggest one will be the display upgrade; both the iPad Pro models are expected to gravitate from mini-LED to OLED next year, so the high contrast, deeper blacks, increased brightness, and more can be distinguished from the ‘Liquid Retina’ IPS LCD screen of the iPad Air.

12.9” iPad Air panel shipments started in December…

— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) December 10, 2023

Another difference is that the iPad Air will likely miss out on ProMotion technology, making the iPad Pro lineup the only one to support a high refresh rate panel. Thanks to the OLED upgrade, Apple could take the design of the iPad Pro models to the next level by incorporating slimmer bezels on the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models.

With the iPad Air’s IPS LCD, there are limitations to how far those bezels can go, so this slate will not look as futuristic as the iPad Pro. On the subject of the iPad Pro, one individual asked Young when the OLED shipments would begin, with Young replying in January. We expect the new tablets to be announced in the first quarter of 2024, and it is there that we will learn how exactly the new slates have changed in both specifications and design, so stay tuned for more updates.