Apple Expects Strong Demand for Upcoming MacBook Pros, Calls on Additional Mini-LED Display Supplier

Apple is apparently gearing up for strong demand for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros and, as a result, reportedly brought in a second supplier for its mini-LED displays ahead of their launch.

According to DigiTimes, Apple added Luxshare Precision Industry as the second supplier of surface mount technology (SMT) for mini-LED displays. Previously, Apple had only contracted SMT, or Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology, as the supplier of the SMT processes in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro mini-LED and upcoming MacBook Pros.

Apple first introduced a mini-LED display in its high-end 12.9-inch iPad Pro last April. While the new iPad was announced in April, shipments for the device didn’t start until later in May due to high demand and tough production rates of return. Fueled by a global chip shortage and the continuing global health crisis, Apple and its suppliers faced challenges last year in sustaining production of new devices.

The next MacBook Pros are expected to be in high demand thanks to several long overdue features and changes. Along with a more powerful Apple silicon chip, the new MacBook Pros are expected to include the first major MacBook Pro redesign since 2016, including flat edges, removal of the touch bar, and additional ports.

DigiTimes says the new MacBook Pros are expected to launch in the fourth quarter of the year, which runs from October through December. The publication previously cited sources claiming a late third quarter launch for the new models, but the start of the fourth quarter is more in line with industry expectations. Apple last year announced its Apple M1 silicon processor and updated Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro at a digital event in November.