Apple’s ARM-Based 13-inch Macbook Pro and Macbook Air Expected by End of 2020: DigiTimes

A new report indicates that Apple will be shipping it’s first ARM-based 13-inch Macbook Pro and Macbook Air by the end of 2020.

According to DigiTimes, Taiwan’s supply chains will begin shipping components and parts for the next generation of Macbooks and iPads. This includes the shipment of backlit units (BLUs). Sources have said BLU supplier Radiant Opto-Electronics is ready to begin shipping for both the new MacBook and iPad devices. Panel makers including LG Display, BOE Technology and Sharp will be providing supplies for the new iPad.

These shipments are expected to begin in the third quarter of this year. This means the BLU orders could start to be fulfilled anytime between July and September.

DigiTimes predicts that Apple will begin shipping its first ARM-based Macbook Pro and Macbook air by “the end of the year”. Its sources have estimated that the total number of units shipped in 2020 will be roughly 16-17 million, which is higher than last year’s 14.5-15.5 million.

Recently, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the first ARM-based 13-inch Macbook Pro and Macbook Air would ship by the end of the fourth quarter of 2020 or by early Q1 in 2021. DigiTimes‘ new report aligns with Kuo’s prediction but is rather firm on the shipments being fulfilled by the end of the year.

Interestingly enough, the new report also details that the next-generation 10.8-inch iPad will “be available at more affordable prices”. This is despite the fact that the new iPads are expected to feature high-performance CPUs.