What you should know
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- Apple‘s iPad revenue slumped 25% year-on-year in the first quarter of its 2024 fiscal year, signaling a potential decline in tablet sales.
- Despite the slump in iPad sales, Apple’s computer division, particularly Macs, experienced an increase in sales, suggesting a shift in consumer preference.
- The introduction of high-end iPad Pro models historically boosts Apple’s tablet sales, emphasizing the importance of innovation and new releases to maintain market interest.
- The 2024 iPad Pro is expected to feature dual-stack OLED technology from LG, offering significant improvements in screen brightness, lifespan, and power consumption, which could justify a price increase and potentially revive iPad sales.
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Full Story
Oh boy, Apple’s iPad sales are hitting a bit of a rough patch, huh? In the first quarter of its 2024 fiscal year, they only raked in about $7 billion. That’s a pretty steep dive—25%, to be exact—from the $9.4 billion the year before. Not exactly what you’d call a good omen for the future of iPad sales.
And get this, people seem to be leaning more towards Macs these days. Apple’s computer division actually saw an uptick in sales. It’s kinda funny when you think about it. The whole rigmarole of adding a keyboard and case to an iPad to make it more MacBook-like just doesn’t cut it for some folks.
Apple’s in a bit of a pickle with the iPad line and needs to figure things out, pronto. But then, out of the blue, rumors of an iPad Pro (2024) price hike start swirling around. Really? With sales already on the downswing and last year’s iPad Pro prices taking a nosedive?
Now, here’s the kicker: Apple didn’t drop any new iPad models last year. Not a single one. The last time they pulled a stunt like that was way back in 2010. Fourteen years ago, folks. And guess what? Sales tanked back then too because, well, people love snagging the latest gadgets from Apple. No new toys, no sales.
Apple must’ve had a lightbulb moment after seeing the dismal iPad sales figures. They probably took a trip down memory lane, looking at when iPads were flying off the shelves.
According to the wizards at Statista, iPad sales last saw a major bump with the release of the iPad Pro (2022) series. Before that, it was the spring launches in 2021 and 2020. Apple’s secret sauce? Not cheap tablets, but those fancy iPad Pro models loaded with the best display and processor tech, despite their hefty price tags.
Switching gears to something a bit out there – remember when electric cars were all the rage? Tesla was worth over a trillion bucks, and its used cars cost more than new ones. Well, in the midst of that frenzy, Mercedes decided to show off with its Hyperscreen, a massive display made by LG. Because, why not? The car display market was booming, thanks to the electric vehicle craze.
Why LG, you ask? They’ve got this nifty dual-stack OLED tech, also known as tandem OLED. It’s basically two OLED layers that double the brightness and quadruple the lifespan of the display. And let’s not forget the 40% drop in power consumption, which is a big deal since displays are usually the biggest battery hogs.
This dual-stack magic means the screens can last a decade without those annoying blue diodes burning out. It’s perfect for gadgets we use for ages, like tablets, laptops, and cars. And guess what? The new Honor 6 Ultimate phone is rumored to be the first to sport this tech, boasting a 6x increase in lifespan and a 40% reduction in power draw. If that’s true, imagine what it could do for an iPad Pro.
Apple’s definitely taken notice. Word on the street (or Korean media, to be precise) is that they’ve been chatting with LG and Samsung about getting some of those sweet, sweet OLED screens for future iPads, Macs, and monitors. Samsung tried to woo Apple with an LTPO display, but Apple’s eyes were on the brighter, longer-lasting prize of LG’s dual-stack tech.
So, the iPad Pro (2024) might just be a game-changer. Bright enough for sunny days, easier on the battery, and with a lifespan that just won’t quit. And hey, if the rumors are true, those features might just justify a $160-$200 price bump. Could this be the shot in the arm Apple’s tablet sales desperately need?
And there you have it, folks. A little peek into the world of Apple, iPads, and the tech that powers them. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some more tech marvels to explore. Who knows what I’ll stumble upon next in this digital wonderland?
