Apple may have just launched new iPad Pro models, but a supply-chain report today says that Apple will still launch another new model later in the year.
It was back in September of last year that Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo first predicted iPad Pro models with mini-LED backlighting to launch in the final quarter of 2020, and there have been a series of reports since then supporting this …
Background
As we’ve stressed before, mini-LED is not the same as OLED screens, nor microLED ones: this relates only to a more efficient method of backlighting for existing LCD ones.
A report in February said that Apple had approved samples and placed orders for the new tech.
Innolux Mini LED has made a breakthrough. It is said that it has already had samples approved by Apple and is preparing to make displays for the latest iPad Pro tablet to be launched in the second half of the year.
That was echoed the following month, though only the 12.9-inch iPad was referenced.
Epistar is one of the suppliers tipped to provide the mini-LED backlighting, and a supply-chain report today echoes the idea that this will be used in this year’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Today’s report of a new iPad Pro in Q4
The Digitimes report again supports a Q4 launch.
LED firms are generally optimistic about mini LEDs, expanding wafer, chip and packaging capacity for the segment. Apple reportedly prefers mini LED to OLED for its medium-size devices and will launch an iPad Pro with mini LED backlighting in the fourth quarter of 2020.
As for the just-launched models, suppliers appear to have been told to expect substantial orders.
For Apple’s freshly launched iPad Pro, its suppliers are ramping up shipments for the new tablets, with their volumes to the vendor expected to rise 40% sequentially in the second quarter. With the needs for working and learning from home rising amid the coronavirus pandemic, IT devices, such as tablets, are expected to see demand pick up.
Digitimes has a mixed track record, but has good supply-chain sources and this latest report is in line with those from other sources.
As for the just-launched model, check out our other reporting:
- iOS 13.4 will be released on March 24, new Magic Keyboard with trackpad compatible with 2018 iPad Pro
- Opinion: The new MacBook Air and iPad Pro Magic Keyboard are game changers
- Here’s how advanced cursor support will work on iPadOS
- New iPad Pro comes with Wi-Fi 6 support, unlike recent MacBook updates
- Apple’s new MacBook Air and iPad Pro are already on sale, pre-order here to save up to $105
- Watch Craig Federighi demo the new iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard with trackpad
- All 2020 iPad Pro models feature 6GB of RAM, same U1 chip as iPhone 11
- Poll: What do you think of Apple’s new iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and MacBook Air?
- You can’t see the new iPad Pro in Apple Stores, but can see it on your desk
- How to customize the mouse cursor on iPad: tracking speed, animations, color, more
- Should you buy the new iPad Pro? Here’s how it compares to the 2018 iPad Pro
- Download the new 2020 iPad Pro wallpapers for your devices right here
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