We have been documenting rumors for some time now that Apple plans to use mini-LED displays in the future. Now things are becoming more concrete with the iPad Pro and a new MacBook Pro.
Apple plans to equip several products with mini-LED displays. The first device could be an iPad Pro 12.9-inch model. Now the Taiwanese news site DigiTimes reports that the timetable for the introduction of these devices has been set. According to the report, an iPad Pro with a mini-LED display is expected in early 2021, while a new high-end MacBook Pro could appear at the end of 2021. This is what the report:
Osram Opto Semiconductors is expected to begin supplying mini-LED backlights for high-end MacBooks in the second half of 2021, making the company Apple's second supplier of such chips alongside Taiwanese company Epistar, according to industry sources.
Apple is also expected to launch a 12.9-inch mini-LED-backlit iPad Pro in early 2021, with each tablet expected to use over 10,000 mini-LEDs supplied exclusively by Epistar, the sources said. Epistar is ready to start producing mini-LEDs by modifying its blue light LED chip manufacturing equipment to produce such mini-LEDs in the third quarter of 2020, the sources said.
iPad Pro with A14X chip and more
It was originally reported that the first mini-LED devices could be introduced at the end of this year. However, there are now increasing notes, according to which the whole thing will not happen until 2021. Today's report also supports an earlier statement by Ming-Chi Kuo and some leakers, according to which the time frame would be appropriate in relation to the iPad Pro. But what innovations could the iPad Pro offer besides new display technology? Observers believe that the device will have the brand new A14X chip and 5G support. Due to the new display technology, a design change cannot be ruled out - mini-LED technology allows for thinner and lighter housing designs. (Image: Apple)