iPad Lineup Set for Major Shake-up: All the 2024 iPad Upgrades Previewed

Apple is planning major upgrades across the iPad lineup in 2024, according to recent reports from leading analysts. This comprehensive refresh comes as iPad sales have declined over 30% in recent quarters.

By significantly updating the iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini and accessories, Apple aims to reinvigorate the tablet market.

My series about iPad 2024:

  1. Apple May Bring MagSafe Charging to 2024 iPad Pro Series
  2. Production on 12.9-Inch iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro Displays Now Underway
  3. New iPad Mini 7 Expected in 2024 With Major Upgrades
  4. Apple Plans Major iPad and MacBook Upgrades in 2024
  5. Timeline For Apple’s iPad Launches In 2024

iPad Pro 2024 Upgrades

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch

The flagship iPad Pro will undergo its first major redesign since 2018. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch models will transition from LED to advanced OLED displays.

This upgrade brings noticeably better image quality with higher contrast ratios and more vivid colors. OLED panels offer deep blacks and make content really pop on the screen.

Additionally, the new iPad Pro will feature Apple's latest and most powerful M3 chip. This ultra-fast processor will make apps more responsive and system tasks snappier.

The combination of the M3 chip and OLED display takes the iPad Pro to the next level as a professional-grade tablet.

iPad Air 2024 Upgrades

Apple iPad Air
Apple iPad Air

Joining the redesigned iPad Pro is an all-new 12.9-inch iPad Air. This new larger screen size will match the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro, giving consumers more choice.

The original 10.9-inch iPad Air will continue to be sold as well. Having both a 10.9-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Air bridges price points and could attract more buyers.

While the iPad Air sticks with traditional LCD technology, the iPad Pro will leverage more advanced OLED panels to justify its premium pricing.

This segmentation of display tech allows Apple to stretch its tablet range across a wider spectrum.

iPad Mini 2024 Upgrades

iPad mini 6
iPad mini 6

Apple's compact iPad Mini tablet is rumored to see its next major upgrade in late 2023 or early 2024.

According to respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the 7th generation iPad Mini will bring some of the biggest changes to date.

Headlining the updates is an all-new A16 Bionic or M1 processor, putting performance on par with Apple's best for intensive tasks and futureproofing the tablet.

Upgraded front and rear cameras are also expected, with improvements over the current 12MP shooters.

New color options are strongly tipped as well, on top of existing choices like Space Gray and Starlight.

Less exciting but still useful changes include adoption of Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and minor display tweaks.

Despite rumors of a folding iPad, Kuo believes a foldable won't replace the iPad Mini line due to much higher costs. So the Mini 7 should retain the same 8.3″ screen size and slim-bezel design.

Apple Pencil support, Magic Keyboard compatibility, excellent battery life and more also look to remain.

Accessories Upgrades

On the accessories front, new Magic Keyboards with sturdier aluminum frames are coming.

These will further close the gap in experience between the iPad Pro and a traditional laptop.

New Apple Pencil styluses are expected as well, though details remain unclear.

MacBook & AirPods 2024 Upgrades

Beyond the iPad, Apple is planning major refreshes across other product lines in 2024 as well.

A 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip will join the latest M3-powered MacBook Pros.

New AirPods Pro earbuds are also expected to drop in 2024.

Foldable iPad 2026

Foldable Apple iPads
Foldable Apple iPads (Rumor)

Looking even further out, rumors suggest Apple is developing a foldable iPad.

Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims a foldable iPad with a carbon fiber kickstand could arrive in 2026. When opened, the foldable iPad could stretch an expansive 20+ inches.

What to Expect from Apple iPad Series in 2024?

The overarching goal across the board is to stimulate demand and get iPad sales trending upwards again.

The entire tablet market has been hit hard by high inflation and dampened consumer spending. Many see tablets as non-essential devices they can live without.

Additionally, phones with ever-larger screens have reduced the need for a secondary tablet for casual browsing and media for some.

By significantly updating both the software and hardware of the iPad Pro and iPad Air, iPad Mini 2024, Apple hopes to convince consumers to upgrade.

The new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros with OLED and the M3 chip will deliver performance and display quality rivaling laptops. The larger 12.9-inch iPad Air brings more choice for shoppers wanting greater screen real estate.

Overall, Apple has set the stage for a major year of iPad and Mac upgrades in 2024. Ranging from the radical iPad Pro redesign to the larger iPad Air, it adds up to Apple's biggest tablet refresh in years.

Only time will tell if these ambitious moves can jumpstart sales after recent declines.

But by delivering long-awaited features like OLED and expanding the lineup with a 12.9-inch Air, Apple is hoping that 2024 will be the iPad's comeback year.

For consumers seeking more choice and pro-level features in an Apple tablet, help may soon be on the way.

– Jim Miller