Report: Apple targets October launch for OLED iPad mini

Bloomberg reports that Apple is targeting a launch by October for the OLED iPad mini and shares the company’s expected timeline for updates to the entry-level iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro. Here are the details.

While the next iPad mini has long been rumored to launch later this year with an OLED display, Bloomberg has now provided a more precise window for its release.

According to the new report, “Apple is preparing to unveil the new OLED iPad mini [code-named J510] as early as this fall, with a release planned by October.” The report also notes that Apple is “working on an eventual OLED upgrade for the iPad Air,” but is “not currently working on a base iPad with OLED, instead sticking to cheaper LCD technology for the foreseeable future.”

Earlier this week, Weibo leaker yeux1122 also said the iPad mini would get an OLED display, but claimed it would lack ProMotion and remain limited to a fixed 60Hz refresh rate.

Back to Bloomberg’s report, it notes that adding OLED could push the iPad mini’s price even higher. The device currently starts at $599, up from $499 before Apple rolled out sweeping price increases across much of its product lineup a few weeks ago.

The report also shares Apple’s expected timeline for the rest of the iPad lineup:

The new entry-level iPad, code-named J581, is slated for release as early as the first calendar quarter next year, according to the people. The main change will be a faster processor rather than a major design overhaul.

The new iPad Air models will continue to come in 11-inch and 13-inch configurations. The new versions, code-named J807 and J837, are on target for the spring. Apple is also planning new iPad Pro models during the same time period, Bloomberg News reported last month.

Finally, Bloomberg reaffirms its report from a few days ago that Apple is also expected to update the Apple Pencil next year with models that may get replaceable batteries.

To read Bloomberg’s full report, follow this link.