The word on the grapevine is that is you were hoping for a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with mini LED display technology in early 2021, you’re in luck.
Per recent rumors, the tablet is thought to still be on track for Q1 of 2021, the report focusing broadly on Apple’s efforts to diversify its supply chain for displays and touch panels. Supplier BOE has reportedly gained approval to supply OLED screens for the iPhone lineup, while GIS will produce touch models for the new iPad Pro with mini LED, expected to be “launched in first-quarter 2021.”
While this isn’t the first time that reports have indicated the the mini LED iPad Pro is en route for Q1 2021, it serves as continued supply chain corroboration that the transition is still moving ahead on schedule.
The report also indicates that the transition to a mini LED display will begin with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. This also indicates that the 11-inch iPad Pro will stick with LCD panels for some time, as there’s no word as to when the 11-inch iPad Pro might transition to mini LED.
Apple is also rumored to be bringing mini LED display technology to two new MacBook Pro models in 2021. The notebooks are rumored by reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo to incorporate an all-new form factor design and feature mini LED panels.
Mini LED is a new form of backlighting that is used for LCD screens. It includes many of the same benefits as OLED, but oftentimes can offer increased brightness, improved power efficiency, and a lower risk of burn-in. This is why Apple plans to use it in its larger-screened devices, rather than OLED.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac and DigiTimes