The next iPad Pro 2024 has long been rumored to feature the iPad's first OLED display, and while Apple has surprisingly not officially confirmed this upgrade, code found in the iPadOS 17.5 beta version suggests it will definitely happen It appears that.

While diving into the beta code, 9to5Mac spotted references to four unreleased iPad models. These are labeled iPad 16,3, iPad 16,4, iPad 16,5, and iPad 16,6. The site believes these are identifiers for the upcoming iPad Pro 2024, which will be available in two different model sizes, Wi-Fi and cellular variants.

The firmware also suggests that these iPads will launch with an OLED display and that the two different screen sizes will come from different suppliers. The last point is of little relevance to the average consumer, but rumors suggest that LG will be responsible for the 12.9-inch panel, while the 11-inch panel will be supplied by both LG and Samsung.

But the fact that Apple is finally upgrading to OLED is the important part, and that the new iPad Pro should offer all the benefits that the iPhone has enjoyed for the past few years.

OLED displays are known for their significantly better image quality than LCD displays. These displays are known to offer better contrast, deeper blacks, richer colors, and much better viewing angles. OLEDs can also be affixed directly to glass and do not require a separate backlight, making the displays thinner and more energy efficient.

According to recent reports, Apple has been having problems manufacturing the OLED panels needed for the new iPad Pros, leading to many delays. Initially, the two tablets were expected to appear in March alongside the MacBook Air M3, but that apparently did not happen. However, Mark Garman recently claimed that the tablets could be released the week of May 6.

Other upgrades are said to include a new Apple Pencil 3, an upgraded Magic Keyboard, and Apple's M3 chipset (the same one found in recent Macs). While still unconfirmed, we expect this new model to launch next month alongside the iPad Pro 2024 model. The new iPad Air is not expected to get the same OLED upgrade as the Pro, but one model is expected to feature a larger 12.9-inch display.

We'll have to wait a bit longer before Apple confirms all these details for us, but in the meantime you can check out all the latest news and updates in our iPad Pro 2024 and iPad Air 2024 hubs.