M1 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro with mini-LED displays expected in first half of 2021

Apple is working on adding mini-LED displays to M1 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro by as early as the first half of 2021, as per a new report by DigiTimes. This corroborates other reports that we have been receiving recently from other sources such as Ming-Chi Kuo, regarding Apple’s introduction of mini-LED displays.

mini-LED displays in 2021 M1 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro

DigiTimes reports that the first iPad Pro with mini-LED will be introduced in the first quarter of 2021, while the first Apple Silicon MacBook Pro with mini-LED will be launched in the second quarter of 2021. The chips for both these devices will be built by TSMC using the same 5nm node that is in use for iPhone 12 smartphone line-up, and the first-generation M1 MacBooks and Mac mini.

Apple’s suppliers in Taiwan, including LED chip vendor Epistar, testing and sorting specialist FitTech, SMT service provider Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology, backlight board supplier Zhen Ding Technology, cooling solution provider Auras Technology and process equipment maker All Ring Technology, are all ready to gain growth momentum from upcoming shipments for Apple’s miniLED-backlit devices, the sources said.

The sources continued that Foxconn Technology and Compal Electronics will share the assembly orders for miniLED ‌iPad Pro‌ devices, and MacBook Pro products adopting M1 chipsets will be mainly produced by Quanta Computer and partly by Foxconn.

DigiTimes also reported that TSMC is doing well financially due to strong iPhone sales, and shared a positive outlook for the company through 2021. TSMC is already working on starting 3nm mass production in the second half of 2022.

Ming-Chi Kuo had reported just a few days ago that redesigned Apple Silicon MacBooks with Apple Silicon M1X chips, mini-LED displays, and thinner bezels will launch in late 2021. Although the time frame is different from DigiTimes’ report, it still indicates a roll-out in 2021. Kuo also reported that the high-end iPad Pro models will get mini-LED displays by the second half of 2021.

2021 iPad Pro is expected to launch with an A14X chip and 5G networking, along with a new mini-LED display. The MacBook Pro is expected to have a 14-inch mini-LED display with thinner bezels. Mini-LED displays provide many of the same benefits that OLED displays offer, including battery efficiency, improved contrast ratio, local dimming, and better colors.

Apple has already invested $300 million in a new Taiwanese factory to produce mini-LED and micro-LED displays. While mini-LED is expected to start rolling out next year in Apple products, micro-LED will be the next generation technology that will be significantly better than OLED, however, it is not expected to be available anytime soon until issues are sorted out for its mass production.

via MacRumors