Rumors of OLED displays for future iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets have received another boost as production of OLED-equipped iPads will begin this year. There is also a possibility that the larger MacBook Pro models will also feature OLED.

This is according to a DigiTimes report, which states that the iPad with a 10.9-inch OLED display will begin production in late 2021 and could be released in 2022. After that, Apple could turn its attention to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro and a 16-inch MacBook Pro, but Cupertino has reportedly not yet committed to OLED panels for laptops.

DigiTimes probably obtained these rumors through industry sources, presumably those in Apple's supply chain, rather than Cupertino insiders. However, this report does lend credence to the possibility that the new iPad will have a significantly enhanced display in the near future.

The LCD panels used in the current iPad are by no means bad; the Liquid Retina display on the iPad Pro models offers a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which is impressive in parts. However, the OLED panels currently used in all iPhone 12 models tend to have better color and contrast than LCD panels, so this is likely to be a significant upgrade for future iPads, especially when it comes to viewing photos and watching videos.

Given DigiTimes' source's reference to a 10.9-inch iPad, the same display size as the latest iPad Air, we can assume that Apple's mid-range tablet will be the first product to feature an OLED display. At first glance, it seems odd that the iPad Air would be the first to feature OLED, but it appears that something better is in store for the iPad Pro.

The iPad Pro 2021 is expected to feature a mini LED display at Apple's spring event this month. An upgrade over traditional LCD screens, the mini-LEDs offer a wider contrast ratio and deeper blacks similar to OLEDs, but with even higher brightness and less risk of burn-in.

Given that the iPad Air was upgraded last year with a new Pro-like design, it seems relatively logical to wait until 2022 for an upgraded model.

Perhaps more interesting is the idea of a 16" or potentially 17" MacBook Pro with an OLED display.

The current LCD Retina displays on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are quite impressive with solid color accuracy. However, moving to OLEDs would see even better color and contrast, ideal for professional photo and video editors.

However, OLED displays are also available on Windows 10 laptops, which could cause prices to skyrocket. In other words, a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an OLED display would not be wallet-friendly.

Time will tell if this insider information comes to fruition. We are, however, quietly optimistic that an OLED iPad is on the way.