OLED iPad Air and Mini-LED MacBook Air Expected to Release in 2022: Kuo

It’s now been long-rumoured that Apple will introduce a new iPad Pro, which will feature a Mini-LED display, as early as April. This also sparked the expectation that the backlight technology may be gradually introduced to other Apple products.

It now seems as though Apple is planning to release a MacBook Air with a Mini-LED display in 2021. A new iPad Air is also said to be releasing next year. Though, it may only feature an OLED display.

TF International Securities’ Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable Apple analyst, has released a new research note. As reported by 9to5Mac, Kuo outlined Apple’s plans for Mini-LED display technology and what we can expect to see in the near future. Rather than conduct a complete overhaul of their iPad line in order to transition to Mini-LED, it appears as though the improved backlighting is being reserved for the high-end iPad Pro models.

Kuo has stated that in order to keep other iPads, such as the iPad Air, at an affordable cost, these models will feature OLED displays. OLED panels do have some of the same benefits offered by Mini-LED panels. However, OLED displays have a tendency to acquire burn-in over time. The use of OLED panels can ensure that Apple can maintain its lower costs while offering a more high-end option with the iPad Pro and Mini-LED feature.

As far as the MacBook Air is concerned, Kuo does not believe Apple will adopt OLED technology for any upcoming model. Due to concerns regarding burn-in, Kuo believes Apple will introduce a new model with a Mini-LED display. This new model is also expected in 2022 and will signal another step in the company’s plan to embrace the enhanced display technology.

Previously, Kuo has stated that Apple will release a 12.9 iPad Pro and a refreshed 16-inch MacBook Pro, both featuring Mini-LED displays sometime in 2021. These key devices were initially poised to release in the second half of 2020. Though, Kuo believes Apple delayed them into this current year.

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