Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that while Apple’s development of Hardware with mini-LED displays hasn’t been significantly delayed, but adoption of the technology may be delayed in the short-term.
Kuo made his remarks in a research note with TF International Securities today (via MacRumors). He said mini-LED chip, panel, assembly, and terminal assembly are expected to begin mass production in the third quarter of 2020, the fourth quarter, the end of the fourth quarter, and the first quarter of 2021, respectively.
“We believe that investors do not need to worry too much about the extension of the mini LED schedule, because mini LED is a key technology that Apple will promote in the next 5 years, so even if the short-term schedule is affected by the new coronary pneumonia, it will not damage the long-term positive trend.”
Kuo says Apple has plans for four to six products with mini-LED displays over the next few years. Kuo has previously predicted Apple will release a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an A14X chip in Q3 2020, and an updated 16-inch MacBook Pro in Q4.
Kuo also believes Apple is planning to introduce a 14.1-inch MacBook Pro with a mini-LED display, although he hasn’t provided launch information for that model.
While Kuo’s note today suggests Apple’s plans for new mini-LED devices may have been pushed back slightly, the analyst estimates that Apple mini-LED product shipments will grow significantly by about 300% and 225% in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Mini-LED displays will lend themselves to thinner and lighter product designs while continuing to offer many of the same benefits of OLED displays currently used on the latest iPhones. Benefits include improved wide color gamut performance, high contrast and dynamic range, and better local dimming for truer blacks.