Apple May Potentially Shift Towards Widescale Adoption of Mini-LED Technology
With Apple's transition to Apple Silicon well in progress, there's a strong possibility that the tech giant is preparing for a rapid switch to mini-LED displays. This technology, which is an upgrade over current LED backlighting, boasts mini LEDs that are a fifth the size of regular ones, resulting in more precise backlighting. The display superiority lies in its ability to produce brighter light than OLED, with equal color quality at a lower cost.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his accurate predictions about Apple products, earlier this year suggested that six future Apple devices would incorporate mini-LED displays, with four debuting in 2021 [1]. Kuo's recent projection indicates a substantial increase in the shipping of mini-LED units, with 10 to 12 million units expected in 2021 and 25 to 28 million in 2022 [2].
Two MacBook Pro models equipped with mini-LED displays are due for release in 2021, accompanied by a more affordable MacBook Air featuring the same technology in 2022 [1]. Additionally, Kuo hints at a redesigned MacBook Pro for 2021, potentially delaying purchase plans for the first-gen Apple Silicon MacBook Pro [2].
Kuo attributes this growth to boosted MacBook sales and cheaper costs associated with Apple Silicon. The switch to Apple's homegrown processor is cost-effective, allowing Apple to incorporate mini-LEDs more quickly. It's less clear whether these savings will translate into lower-priced MacBooks [2].
Lastly, Kuo hints at the launch of additional MacBook chargers in 2021. These new chargers may provide faster, more powerful charging or potentially reintroduce MagSafe for MacBooks. The specifics are yet to be revealed [2].
Sources:
[1] Kuo, Ming-Chi. (2020, July 27). 2021 iMac may use mini-LED display, says Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. 9to5Mac. Retrieved from https://9to5mac.com/2020/07/27/2021-imac-mini-led-display/[2] Mehdi, Fili. (2021, January 12). Apple may launch ‘new design’ MacBook Pro with mini-LED display in late 2021, MagSafe charger for 2021 and beyond. 9to5Mac. Retrieved from https://9to5mac.com/2021/01/12/apple-macbook-pro-2021-mini-led-design/
- The transition to Apple Silicon by Apple might also involve a shift in display technology, probably towards mini-LED displays, which could be more cost-effective due to the use of Apple Silicon.
- In support of this prediction, Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned Apple analyst, cited potential mini-LED integration in six future Apple devices, with four set for release in 2021 and 2022.
- Interestingly, the tech giant is likely to release two MacBook Pro models and a more affordable MacBook Air with mini-LED displays in the coming years, as suggested by Kuo's projections.
- Furthermore, Silicone Valley's tech giant, Apple, may possibly introduce additional MacBook chargers in 2021, according to Kuo's recent statements, which could include faster charging or potentially a reintroduction of MagSafe for MacBooks.
