Apple’s use of mini-LED panels in its forthcoming MacBook lineups will catalyze supplier investment and push the entire industry toward adoption of the display technology, a report said on Monday.
Like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Apple’s upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are expected to feature mini-LED displays.
In his latest investor note, seen by MacRumors, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said this will stoke strategic supplier investment in the technology, which will allow Apple to diversify supply risk and bring down production costs.
The redesigned 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models due this year are expected to feature next-generation Apple silicon chips, the removal of the Touch Bar, the return of the MagSafe magnetic power cable, and an overall new design with an HDMI port and SD card slot, the report said.
Kuo believes that Apple is already “actively looking for second suppliers of key Mini LED components.” If its mini-LED notebooks receive positive feedback, other notebook makers and their suppliers will inevitably be pushed towards the adoption of the technology.
Apple is also developing a thinner and lighter version of the MacBook Air that will have thinner bezels than the current model. Rumors suggest it will have a 13-inch mini-LED display, which will be an upgrade over the existing MacBook Air display, as per the report.
In a previous investor note, Kuo said the 2022 MacBook Air models will be available in “several colour options,” likely similar to the colors of the 24-inch iMac.
The report said that, looking ahead to 2023, Kuo singles out Apple’s work on micro-LED technology as the next major display market disruptor.
It added that the names are similar but notable differences between micro-LED and mini-LED displays.
