Apple's new iPads will feature OLED screens, and there's more.
Reports suggest that Apple will debut OLED screens for the first time on the new iPad Pro models. Industry chatter has been confirmed by the iPadOS 17.5 Beta version.
According to reports from 9to5Mac and MacRumors, information about unreleased iPads was discovered in the code of last week's iPadOS 17.5 developer beta. Analysis of the code by 9to5Mac revealed display firmware for four new iPad models with model numbers iPad16,3, iPad16,4, iPad16,5, and iPad16,6.
These models are expected to be the next generation of iPad Pro, available in both Wi-Fi and cellular versions, and offered in two different sizes.
The testing firmware indicates that these iPads will feature OLED screens. It is confirmed that different sizes will source displays from different manufacturers.
The 12.9-inch version is expected to exclusively use LG Display. The 11-inch version will use displays from both LG and Samsung Electronics.
The iPadOS 17.5 Beta version includes more clues about the new Apple Pencil functionality. On top of the existing double-tap gesture, the code suggests two additional long press and double long press gestures.
Since the current Apple Pencil 2 only supports double-tap gestures and does not have a pressure sensor on the barrel, these gestures are likely intended for an unreleased new version of the Apple Pencil.
The new iPads and Apple Pencil are expected to be launched in May. According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to unveil the new iPad Pro and iPad Air in the second week of May. A redesigned Smart Keyboard and the next generation of Apple Pencil will likely be announced simultaneously.
The iPadOS 17.5 Beta version also contains new information about an iPad battery health feature, although this feature is not yet accessible to users. It is expected that this feature will display the current maximum capacity and cycle count of the iPad battery.
