TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple has plans for two redesigned MacBook Pro models in 2021 and a new MacBook Air in 2022. All three will boast Apple Silicon chips and mini-LED displays.
In a research note to investors, shared by MacRumors, Kuo says two new MacBook Pro models equipped with an all-new form factor design are expected to launch in 2021, and a new “affordable” MacBook Air is expected in 2022, all equipped with Apple Silicon chips and mini-LED displays Kuo had previously stated that Apple would release additional Apple Silicon-powered MacBook models in the second half of 2021.
Kuo is optimistic as far as MacBook shipments go, seeing them growing significantly by 100% with up to 35 million units per year, thanks to the use of the new Apple Silicon chips and refreshed designs.
Kuo says he believes Apple will be able to offset the added expense of the mini-LED panels to be used in the MacBooks, thanks to the significant savings of using Apple Silicon in place of pricey Intel processors.
Apple devices expected to use mini-LED displays are also projected to see much higher than expected shipments. TFI Securities has revised its shipment forecasts by 350% for 2021 and 450% in 2022. Apple is expected to ship 10 to 12 million mini-LED devices in 2021 and 25 to 28 million mini-LED devices in 2022.
Epistar, who is expected to be Apple’s sole mini-LED display supplier, is expected to make major sales gains as a result of Apple’s new products’ usage of mini-LED.
MacBooks are expected to initially be the main drive for mini-LED panel shipments, as they will reportedly begin using mini-LED before the iPad, and are expected to experience faster shipment growth.
Kuo had previously said that while Epistar would remain the main supplier for Apple’s mini-LED chip needs, Sanan and other manufacturers should soon be able to provide supply, as existing patents are not expected to serve as significant barriers to entry. Kuo says mini-LED efforts by Apple and its suppliers have moved from the “technology development” stage to the “economies of scale/cost” stage. Kuo has said that at least one new iPad model will use a mini-LED display, hitting shelves in the first half of 2021.
