Apple’s next big iPad Air upgrade appears to be on track for early 2027, with a new report suggesting both the 11-inch and 13-inch models will finally make the switch to OLED displays.
The move has been rumoured for some time, but the latest information suggests Apple is sticking to its original timeline rather than pushing the upgrade further back. If accurate, it would bring one of the iPad Pro‘s biggest display advantages to the more affordable Air range, although Apple reportedly has a few compromises planned to keep the two tablets apart.
According to a new DigiTimes report, Apple is targeting the first half of 2027 for the OLED iPad Air, with Samsung Display expected to supply most of the panels. Chinese display manufacturer BOE is also reportedly hoping to join the supply chain, but has yet to meet Apple’s requirements.
The new screens are expected to use a single-stack OLED design, similar to the technology used in the new iPad mini. Unlike the LCD panels currently used in the Air, OLED allows individual pixels to switch off completely, producing deeper blacks and better contrast without relying on a separate backlight. That should make a noticeable difference when watching films or working with darker images, particularly on the larger 13-inch model.
However, Apple isn’t expected to give the Air the same display technology as the iPad Pro. The more expensive model uses a tandem OLED arrangement with two light-emitting layers for higher brightness, alongside an LTPO backplane that supports variable refresh rates. The Air will reportedly stick with LTPS technology instead, meaning ProMotion’s 120Hz refresh rate is unlikely to make the cut.
It’s a familiar bit of product positioning from Apple. An OLED screen would make the iPad Air a more tempting option for people who want better picture quality without paying Pro prices, while the brighter display and smoother scrolling would remain reasons to spend extra on the Pro.
The report also suggests Apple expects to ship between 4 million and 5 million iPad Air units in 2027, covering both screen sizes. The iPad mini is forecast to achieve similar numbers, while iPad Pro shipments could fall to around 4 million units.
Apple hasn’t confirmed the OLED upgrade or announced a release date, so the plans could still change. For anyone considering an iPad Air primarily for its screen, though, the reported 2027 refresh could be worth keeping an eye on.
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