New MacBook Pro models predicted for Q3 2021, held up by mini LED shortage

By William Gallagher

Sources within the supply chain say that Apple expects to ship new MacBook Pro models beginning in the third fiscal quarter of 2021.

Apple's MacBook Pro

After being rumored for, but not appearing at the WWDC keynote presentation, a revamped 14-inch MacBook Pro has recently been predicted for Q4 2021, and a 16-inch MacBook Pro for Q1 2022. Now, however, a new report from the supply chain claims that production will begin earlier in Q3 2021, meaning between July and September.

According to Digitimes, unspecified sources in the supply chain say that both new models of MacBook Pro will launch later in 2021. Shipments are now slated to begin in the third quarter, though it isn't clear whether that applies to both models.

The delay from a WWDC launch is thought to be related to lower than expected production yields on the new mini LED screens.

Separately, Apple is rumored to be working on an Intel-based refresh of the Mac Pro, as the company enters the second year of its two-year transition to Apple Silicon.

Digitimes has a strong reputation for the accuracy of its sources within the supply chain, but also an extremely poor one for its analysis and conclusions from the information it receives.

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