Apple supply chain readying for third quarter 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro release

Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro

According to sources within the supply chain, Apple has validated two new suppliers for mini-LED components. As part of a paywalled report, DigiTimes claims that the backlight components from the new suppliers are intended for a "third quarter" release of new Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models, and not the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Suppliers Zhen Ding and Tripod have reportedly completed validation and yield checks, and will start ramping up production to meed production needs to meet Apple's timetable. Given that the checks are said to have just completed, it isn't precisely clear when in the third quarter the products will launch, but given historical lead times on component shipments intended for a sub-assembly like a screen that will be used for a finished product, a release of the new MacBook Pro at an Apple September event seems probable, versus one in July or August.

Apple reportedly plans to offer both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with two different processor options. Reportedly codenamed "Jade C-Chop" and "Jade C-Die," they both feature eight high-performance cores, and two energy-efficient ones.

These 10-core processor versions will vary by having either 16, or 32 graphics cores. The new processors are also said to feature an improved Neural Engine.

Both new MacBook Pro models will come with a redesigned chassis that, as previously predicted, includes a MagSafe charger port, HDMI, and SD card support.

The two models are also said to support up to 64GB of Unified RAM, up from the present maximum limit of 16GB. They will offer more Thunderbolt ports than present Apple Silicon computers do.

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