Samsung Display Tipped to Lead OLED Supply for the 2027 iPad Air

Samsung Display is reportedly likely to become the lead supplier of OLED displays for the 2027 iPad Air, according to a report by Korean publication ZDNet Korea.

The iPad Air currently uses LCD, and its transition to OLED is planned for 2027.

Reusing iPhone OLED panels

Samsung Display's OLED production lines are reportedly ready, and with its existing factories Samsung can convert iPhone production lines into OLED lines for the iPad Air. Samsung Display is reportedly likely to use iPhone OLED panels to create the iPad Air's OLED screen.

Samsung Display is reportedly considering using its iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) OLED panels for the 2027 iPad Air.

A more advanced screen than the iPad Pro's

The iPad Air's OLED panel will be more advanced than the iPad Pro's: the iPad Pro's OLED is a single-stack structure, while the Air's will use a tandem (two-stack) structure, which should bring higher brightness, better color accuracy and a longer lifespan.

The screen will be around 11 inches, while iPad Pro models are available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.

Apple's next iPad Air will use an M-chip, with iPad Pro models using an M5 chip.

Samsung ahead of LG Display and BOE

Samsung Display is currently the main supplier of OLED panels for the iPhone, ahead of LG Display and BOE. LG Display is also a supplier, but Samsung Display is reportedly likely to be the lead supplier for the iPad Air.

Sources

• GSMArena — Samsung Display tipped to lead OLED supply for 2027 iPad Air
• ZDNet Korea (in Korean) — Samsung Display iPad Air OLED report