Apple’s first mini LED device will be a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, says Kuo

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the first mini LED device from Apple will be a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Apple may also use the display tech on five more devices.

Ted Merendino unveils the eighth-generation iPad during a special event at the company's headquarters of Apple Park.  (via REUTERS)

Apple has long rumoured to be working on new products with mini LED displays. The first device with the new display technology is likely to be a new iPad Pro.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Epistar will provide mini LED chips to Apple. Sanan and other partners will also join the board. He further noted that Apple's plans for mini LED display devices have moved from the “technology development” stage to the “economies of scale/cost” stage, reports Macrumors.

Kuo pointed out that Epistar had faced yield issues initially. The supplier, however, has rapidly improved its mini LED capabilities to ensure large quantities of chips.

Apple's mini LED will go for mass production in the fourth quarter of 2020. The yield issues forced the analyst to revise display shipment estimate by up to 50%, between 300,000 and 400,000.

The latest report follows Kuo's prediction of multiple devices from Apple with mini LEDs. According to the analyst, the company is working on a premium 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a mini LED display. Apart from the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Apple is working on five more devices which are likely to be a 27-inch iMac Pro, a new 14.1-inch MacBook Pro, a 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, a 10.2.-inch iPad, and a 7.9-inch ‌iPad‌ mini.

Apple's new mini LED displays are likely to help accelerate the adoption of the new display technology. It will also lead to lower component prices. According to Kuo, about 30-40% of iPads that will ship in 2021 will feature new display technology. MacBooks may also see the same rate of adoption next year.