Apple Onboards Super-Thin Circuit Board Supplier For Mini-LED iPads and MacBooks

Apple has added a new supplier to its supply chain. Tripod Technology will be providing super-thin rigid PCB boards for Apple’s upcoming devices.

In a report from Digitimes, sources have said that Tripod Technology has joined Apple’s supply chains as it readies itself to launch mini-LED backlit iPads and MacBooks. Tripod Technology has been given the opportunity assumingly because of its “good cost control capabilities”.

Sources also told Digitimes that “Apple’s mini LED backlight modules will adopt three-layer rigid boards, which require higher flatness and hole density than general rigid PCBs to support mass transfer technology, with materials also having to achieve extremely low shrinkage/expansion rates.” Tripod Technology will enter a trial production phase of sample boards. If all goes according to plan, mass production may start in early 2021.

Apple’s shift to mini-LEDs will allow the company to develop thinner devices while still maintaining much of what is offered through an OLED display. Mini-LEDs can provide truer blacks, wide colour gamut, and high contrast in its displays. This will likely be a big transition for the company as it has plans to begin releasing new mini-LED backlit products in the new year.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously stated that he believes Apple’s mini-LED product lineup which includes a 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro, has been delayed until 2021 due to COVID-19. Apple already has Young Poong Electronics in its supply chain to provide modules, Tripod Technology may eventually share Apple’s orders in the future.