iPad Pro to Get Mini-LED Display in Early 2021, MacBook Pro to Follow in 2H21 [Report]

Apple is planning to update its iPad Pro with a mini-LED display in early 2021, according to a new report from DigiTimes.

Apple is expected to launch 12.9-inch mini LED-backlit iPad Pro in early 2021, with each tablet to use over 10,000 mini LEDs solely supplied by Epistar, the sources said. Epistar is ready to start production of mini LEDs by modifying its blue-light LED chipmaking equipment for producing such mini LEDs in third-quarter 2020, the sources noted.

Notably, this appears to contradict a timeline from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who predicts a mini-LED iPad Pro will be launched in the fourth quarter of this year.


The report also claims Osram Opto Semiconductors will supply mini LEDs for a high-end MacBook Pro that will launch in the second half of 2021.

Apple will also launch mini LED-backlit high-end MacBook in second-half 2021, will seek additional suppliers of mini LEDs to secure stable supply, the sources said. As a supplier of backlight-use LEDs for Apple Watch and iPhone, Osram Opto is expected to become another supplier of MacBook-use mini LEDs, and set up initial monthly production capacity of 100 million mini LEDs at its plant in Malaysia, the sources indicated.

Apple is said to be validating mini LEDs from Sanan Optoelectronics for use in future devices.

Benefits of Mini-LED include thinner and lighter product design, good wide color gamut performance, high contrast and HDR, as well as the ability to dim specific screen areas. Despite a 20-30% higher costs, DigiTimes reports that many notebook vendors plan to launch 15.6, 16.0, and 17.3-inch mini-LED devices in the first half of 2021.


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