Many 2021 iPads models could feature mini-LED tech: increased competition among mini-LED suppliers means nearly half of all 2021 iPads could ship with the new panels
Analyst Ming Chi-Kuo reports that increased competition among Apple's mini-LED suppliers is expected to bring unit prices down, meaning that a greater volume of 2021 iPads and MacBooks could ship with the new display technology.
According to Kuo, Sanan Optoelectronics, originally pegged as a secondary mini-LED supplier has reportedly scaled their mini-LED development cycle ahead of schedule. Sanan's mini-LED dies reportedly cost almost 50 percent less than Epistar's. According to Kuo, this could lead to Sanan accounting for up to 30 percent of Apple's mini-LED shipments in 2021. The analyst further stated that as many as 40 percent of all 2021 iPad models by volume would feature mini-LED displays.
The unexpected maturation of mini-LED technology is great news for consumers. While OLED continues to offer the best picture quality on the market, with infinite contrast and deep blacks, mini-LED has the potential to push LCD panels to new heights. Mini-LED will enable higher brightness, essential for HDR, as well as superior local dimming compared to existing solutions like FALD.
With a raft of iPad models expected to feature mini-LED panels next year, we'll soon know how well image quality holds up compared to OLED.