Supply chain gearing up for late 2021 MacBook Pro with mini LED displays

Apple is expected to add mini LED to many products in its lineup

Apple is expected to begin using mini LED backlights across most of its product lines in 2021, including in new MacBook Pros and iPad Pros. The technology will enable more even lighting, better contrast, and more accurate color reproduction in Apple's LCDs.

The supply chain report shared by Digitimes doesn't provide a lot of details on the matter. A single line suggests that Radiant will be the exclusive supplier of backlight units for Apple's rumored 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro refresh.

The sources quote a "second-half 2021" release for the new computers, which lines up with expectations. Ming-Chi Kuo previously reported that there would be two new MacBook Pro models with mini LED sometime in 2021. A more recent report from Kuo said the redesigned MacBook Pros would include an HDMI port and SD card slot — due in the second half of 2021.

Apple is also expected to use mini LED in the iPad Pro, and Kuo said it will be the first product with the new technology. Apple had apparently targeted a late 2020 release for the new iPad Pros, but had to delay due to coronavirus-related shortages.

Apple is expected to release the redesigned "14-inch MacBook Pro" with mini LED in the fall. With the return of much-desired ports, new display technology, and the possible return of MagSafe, it seems this will be a highly demanded upgrade.