Mini-LED display production is back in action for upcoming MacBook Pros

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By Joe Wituschek
published

16-inch MacBook Pro
16-inch MacBook Pro (Image credit: Rene Ritchie / iMore)

What you need to know

  • TSMT has resolved some technical difficulties with its part in the mini-LED display production.
  • The company is part of the supply chain for Apple's upcoming MacBook Pro models.

Displays for the new MacBook Pros are back in action.

As reported by DigiTimes (via MacRumors, TSMT, one of the vendors involved in the production of the new mini-LED displays, has been able to resolve some technical difficulties that set back production yields for Apple's upcoming 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

As reported by DigiTimes, TSMT had initially been facing production constraints with the circuit board and adhesive materials in the mini-LED displays for the upcoming MacBook Pro models. However, after adjusting its techniques, TSMT has increased its production yield rates to over 95%.TSMT is the exclusive provider of SMT services for the recently launched 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌'s miniLED backlights and is expected to do the same for the two upcoming miniLED-backlit MacBook models, the sources said.Due to issues with PCBs and adhesive materials, TSMT's yield rates for surface mounting for miniLED backlighting was not high enough originally, the sources noted. After changing PCB and adhesive material suppliers, TSMT has hiked yield rates to over 95% currently, the sources indicated.

The new MacBook Pro models, which are expected later this year, are anticipated to feature mini-LED displays, no Touch Bar, and the return of MagSafe and other ports.

In a new research note seen by iMore, Kuo says Apple plans to launch two new MacBook Pro models in the second half of 2021, both with an all-new design and increased connectivity. Kuo states Apple will bring back the SD card slot and HDMI interface, echoing previous reports. The report also states the new Macs will have USB-C as well as high-speed USB 4.0 upgrades.Other changes include the return of the MagSafe charger, the end of the Touch Bar, a new generation of Apple silicon processors, and conversely, no Intel CPU option. This will also reportedly be the year Apple introduces Mini LED displays to its MacBook range.

Apple is set to release its first product with a mini-LED display, the new M1 iPad Pro, in the second half of May.

Joe Wituschek
Joe Wituschek
Contributor

Joe Wituschek is a Contributor at iMore. With over ten years in the technology industry, one of them being at Apple, Joe now covers the company for the website. In addition to covering breaking news, Joe also writes editorials and reviews for a range of products. He fell in love with Apple products when he got an iPod nano for Christmas almost twenty years ago. Despite being considered a "heavy" user, he has always preferred the consumer-focused products like the MacBook Air, iPad mini, and iPhone 13 mini. He will fight to the death to keep a mini iPhone in the lineup. In his free time, Joe enjoys video games, movies, photography, running, and basically everything outdoors.