A new report suggests that Apple might debut a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with mini-LED display technology in Q1 of 2021. The report says that Apple has diversified its supply chain for displays and touch panels, with BOE finally gaining approval to supply OLED panels for the iPhone and GIS moving to provide touch panels for both the iPhone and the upcoming iPad Pro.
This is not the first time that reports have indicated that the mini-LED iPad Pro will arrive in Q1 2021, however, it serves as a continued supply chain corroboration that the development is still moving ahead as per schedule.
Apple’s new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a mini-LED display on track for Q1 2021
There have been rumors going around for quite some time that Apple is preparing a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a mini-LED display that will offer various improvements over current iPad displays including better contrast, brighter colors, richer colors, and darker blacks. The most recent report was brought forth by Digitimes.
GIS approved investments of NT$2.198 billion (US$76.3 million) and NT$1.421 billion proposed by its subsidiary in Chengdu, China in August and November 2020 respectively, with the funds to focus on expanding production capacity for integrated touch modules used in tablets, the sources said. The subsidiary will invest another NT$753 million to improve production line automation. The subsidiary currently produces integrated touch modules for iPads and MacBooks, the sources said.
Besides iPhones, GIS will produce integrated touch modules for miniLED-backlit panels of 12.9-inch iPad Pro to be launched in first-quarter 2021, the sources noted.
Interestingly, the reports keep on indicating that the mini-LED transition will start first with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, meaning that the 11-inch iPad Pro will stick with LCD panels for now. There is no news on when the 11-inch iPad Pro might migrate towards a mini-LED display.
Mini-LED is a new form of backlighting that is used for LCD screens. It consists of many of the same benefits as OLED, but it can offer increased brightness, lower risk of burn-in, and improved power efficiency. This is why Apple intends to use it in its larger-screened devices, rather than using OLED.
It is still unclear as to what other changes Apple has for the 2021 iPad. Users want to see an upgrade to an A14 bionic chip but if these changes will be implemented remain to be seen.
Read Also:
