New 12.9-inch iPad Air may not be a large-screen bargain
A new rumor claims that the forthcoming 12.9-inch iPad Air will use the same displays as on the current larger iPad Pro -- which could be good or bad news for buyers expecting a lower-cost large screen.
![Apple's current iPad Air 5](https://photos5.appleinsider.com/gallery/57237-116418-47661-93088-iPad-Air-5-Home-Screen-xl-xl.jpg)
Apple's current iPad Air 5
Alongside the repeated and very strong rumor that for the first time there will be a larger iPad Air, has been the presumption that it will be less expensive than the iPad Pro. The iPad Air has always been less costly than the iPad Pro, but it also has to be because otherwise it has little reason to exist.
But now a new report from display analyst Ross Young says that the 12.9-inch iPad Air will use the same display panels as the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro. There are of course other component differences between the models, but the screen is a significant part of the cost.
Neither pricing nor positioning of the new iPad Air is clear. But, given the new screen it's unlikely that the 12.9-inch iPad Air can be priced dramatically lower than the existing iPad Pro.
It is better news that the display will be literally as good as on the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but then that has a further impact on cost. Existing users aiming to upgrade to the forthcoming new iPad Pro models will find that their old models are competing against the new iPad Air.
Young does say that the reason for using this display is that there are unused stocks of the screen that were made for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
While Apple has not confirmed that the iPad Air will come in a larger size, regulatory filings have shown that four iPad models are coming soon. It's believed that they are the iPad Air and iPad Pro, in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes.
Young and his firm Display Supply Chain Consultants, have a good track record when it comes to display-related rumors and supply chain stories, so it is likely that the screen news is accurate.
Rumor Score: Possible
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Comments
Then, if the iPA12.9 is to use miniLED displays, there isn't unused stock. There's just inventory and and Apple needs to ask its supplier for x amount of displays to be built over the next year. IOW, there is going to be a ramp up in supply.
Ross Young should have intel on the existence of a 12.9" edge lit LCD screen if there is an iPad Air 12.9 model. So, his intel machine is seemingly weak here if he is bereft of real info?
Display costs tend to go down over time.
so….
It may also be that a used or refurb current or previous gen iPad Pro will offer better value and performance than the new iPad Air for a similar price.
I came up against this when the iPad Air 4 was released and ultimately bought a used 2018 iPad Pro instead for a similar price. Better screen, better speakers, face ID and arguably better performance.