iPad Pro and MacBook Models Featuring Mini-LED Displays Rumoured to Launch in 2021

A new 12.9-inch iPad Pro featuring a mini-LED display supplied by Taiwan-based Ennostar as the LED manufacturer is set to begin production on the backlight units in the late first quarter of 2021 or in the second quarter of the year.

Apple is expected to announce a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro sometime in the first half of the year. According to MacRumors, who cites Digitimes, sources have said that Epistar will be the exclusive supplier of the mini-LED chips that are expected to be packaged into the backlight units by Lextar. Ennostar is the holding company established by both Epistar and Lextar in early 2021.

Over the course of the previous year, its been often rumoured and reported that Apple will be transitioning over to mini-LED displays when it comes to the iPad Pro. It’s been previously reported that a 12.9-inch iPad Pro is expected this year. The new model is expected to feature Apple’s A14X processor as well as 5G network capabilities.

Additionally, there has been word of a new 11-inch iPad Pro which will also be released in early 2021. Seeing as though the 12.9-inch model may be treated as the higher-end SKU, the 11-inch iPad Pro may only receive the upgraded processor and 5G support while continuing to use the LED-backlit Liquid Retina display.

Furthermore, a recent report has stemmed from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, stating that Apple plans to reveal a 14-inch MacBook Pro along with a 16-inch model this year. Seeing as though both models are expected to receive upgrades, it’s quite likely that Apple will opt to use mini-LED backlight units within these two devices as well. Additional details include the implementation of HDMI ports as well as SD card readers. Plus, many expect Apple to reintroduce the MagSafe charger after switching to USB-C charging.