Apple will launch iPad Pro with Mini-LED screen in 2021

According to a new report from DigiTimes, Apple will release a 12.9-inch iPad Pro equipped with a Mini-LED screen in the first quarter of next year. It is reported that Apple has diversified its display and touch panel supply chain. BOE will provide OLED panels for the iPhone, and GIS will provide touch panels for the iPhone and the upcoming iPad Pro.

GIS approved investments of NT$2.198 billion (US$76.3 million) and NT$1.421 billion proposed by its subsidiary in Chengdu, China in August and November 2020 respectively, with the funds to focus on expanding production capacity for integrated touch modules used in tablets, the sources said. The subsidiary will invest another NT$753 million to improve production line automation. The subsidiary currently produces integrated touch modules for iPads and MacBooks, the sources said.

Besides iPhones, GIS will produce integrated touch modules for miniLED-backlit panels of 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ to be launched in first-quarter 2021, the sources noted.

Mini LED technology is compared with the current mainstream display technology LCD. The mini LED technology has a better display effect, the response speed has been improved, the screen can be lighter and thinner, and the power consumption is greatly reduced. It is reported that the iPad Pro will be launched in Q1 2021.

Rumors that Apple is preparing an iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display have been around for some time. This device will bring a lot of improvements compared to the current iPad display. By using thousands of independent LED lights to light up the display, the new iPad Pro will bring many advantages of the OLED display but not some of the disadvantages of the technology.