Kuo: iPad mini-LED and AirPods 3 in the first half of 2021

Apple intends to launch an iPad with a mini-LED display and AirPods 3 with a signature design similar to AirPods Pro in the first half of next year, according to TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a research note to investors, seen by MacRumorsKuo’s latest forecast is for the fortunes of Taiwanese manufacturer Career Technology, which is expected to be a key partner in the Apple product supply chain in 2021, thanks to its flexible soft panel technology.

Flexible LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) boards are said to offer a flexible way to connect components together while facilitating high speed, low latency data transfer. The quarry is expected to regain orders for acoustic and optical components in flexible boards intended for a mini-LED ‌iPad‌, which will be mass-produced in the first half of 2021, according to the note.

Kuo said about eight months ago that Apple planned to launch six mini-LED products in its pipeline by the end of 2021. The products include a 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌, a 27-inch iMac Pro. , a 14.1-inch MacBook Pro, a 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, a 10.2-inch ‌‌iPad‌‌, and a 7.9-inch ‌‌‌iPad‌‌‌ mini.

However, Kuo has long predicted that a 12.9-inch ‌‌iPad Pro‌‌ with a launch delay in Q4 2021 would likely be Apple’s first mini-LED product, so this latest development seems to suggest that expectations of the analyst have changed.

As we pointed out in our guide to mini-LED technology, the displays use in the range of 1,000-10,000 individual LEDs which offer a number of improvements over traditional LED-backlit displays, approaching performance. OLED displays without some of the disadvantages of this technology.

Regarding the “ AirPods, ” the memo reiterates Kuo’s belief that Apple is working on third-generation AirPods that will enter mass production in the first half of 2021.

The new ‌‌AirPods‌‌ will adopt the System-in-Package used for the ‌AirPods Pro‌, replacing the rigid PCB + SMT design of the second generation ‌‌AirPods‌‌, and allowing a form factor similar to the ‌AirPods Pro‌, with a shorter shaft and ear tips. replaceable.

The ‌AirPods‌ 3 are expected to be more affordable and will lack high-end features like active noise cancellation. The battery life could be improved, however, and Apple is working on a new wireless chip.

Kuo said Career will secure component orders for the “ AirPods ” 3, which are expected to contribute significantly to the supplier’s revenue and profits from the second quarter of 2020.

Kuo’s memo also mentions that Apple intends to expand its use of soft panel technology in next year’s “iPhone 13” which should save space and money. reduce manufacturing costs.