Ming-Chi Kuo on Sunday reiterated a prediction he made in April, saying Apple has plans to release iPad and MacBook models with high-quality Mini-LED displays between late 2020 and mid 2021.
In a research note for TF International Securities (via MacRumors), Kuo expanded on his prediction, saying the iPad and MacBook displays will each use approximately 10,000 LEDs (Apple’s upcoming Pro Display XDR uses 576). Each LED is said to be below 200 microns in size, significantly smaller than those used in the Pro Display XDR.
In April, Kuo said the iPad and MacBook models will sport 10-12 inch and 15-17 inch display sizes respectively, and expects them to be high-end models of both devices, due to the high cost of the Mini-LED display components. This indicates the new displays will be limited to iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models, although Kuo doesn’t specify.
Kuo says that while mass-production of OLED panels has improved, and the wide color gamut performance of OLED is comparable to that of Mini-LED, he believes that Mini-LED is Apple’s first choice to resolve burn-in issues, as well as reduce its dependence on frenemy Samsung for OLED displays.
LG Display will supply the Mini-LED display panels, while other Mini-LED component suppliers will include Epistar, Zhen Ding, Radiant Opto-Electronics, Nichia, Avary Holding, and TSMT, says Kuo.
Kuo says Apple is making plans for an Mini-LED display equipped iPad between the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, followed by the MacBook between the first quarter and second quarter of 2021.