The iPad Pro and MacBook Pro will be the first Apple products to feature the new Mini-LED display technology. So says a DigiTimes report citing industry sources.
Previous rumors indicated that the early 2021 refresh of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro would be the first Apple product to use Mini-LED, with the new MacBook coming in the second half of the year. It appears that 10,000 Mini-LEDs will be used in each display.
Mini-LEDs, as the name suggests, are versions of regular LED displays that use a smaller LED light source. This should prove to be far superior with respect to brightness and color. However, Mini-LEDs are currently 20% to 30% more expensive than standard LEDs.
Mini-LEDs were initially planned to be installed in devices by the end of this year, according to press reports. Since the coronavirus and related lockdown ruined that plan, the first Mini-LED-equipped Apple machines are expected to appear in 2021. However, according to DigiTimes, rival laptop makers will also begin adopting the new technology early next year.
The displays will reportedly be made by Taiwanese manufacturer Epistar, which according to DigiTimes is the only confirmed supplier, but Malaysia-based Osram Opto is about to join them, currently makes display components for Apple Watch and iPhone devices, but plans to switch to Mini-LED components specifically for the new MacBook Pro. Epistar, on the other hand, will produce Mini-LED components for the iPad Pro.
Since Apple is reportedly planning to move more displays to Mini-LED technology, it makes sense to hear that it is looking for more production partners to provide the necessary components. Optoelectronics, also claims to be valued by Apple as a Mini-LED supplier.
These Mini-LED devices will have to wait until 2021, but Apple should have a number of other products in the works. Apple's big iPhone 12 event is said to be held on October 13, and products such as the AirPods Studio, AirTags, and the first Apple Silicon MacBook could be announced.
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