Apple might launch their first iPads with Mini-LED display and AirPods 3 true wireless earphones in the first half of 2021 according to the latest research note by highly-regarded analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TFI Securities. The research note for investors focused on Taiwan-based OEM Career Technology which Kuo suggests will be a key supply chain partner of Apple for the upcoming product cycle. The new iPads and AirPods 3 might go into mass production in early 2021 and might be launched in the first half of 2021.
A report by MacRumors said that according to Kuo, Career Technology would receive orders for certain components related to the manufacture of Mini-LED iPad which will go into mass production in the first half of 2021. This also means that the launch of the new iPad might be in the first half of 2021 and a launch in the month of March or April would not be difficult to envision.
Mini-LED is a new display technology which provides many benefits of OLED by using individual LEDs to produce the picture in the same manner to OLED displays. Though every individual pixel is not independently controlled, the technology works in the same manner and is less expensive to manufacture as well. Apple might push Mini-LED display technology for its upcoming products starting with the iPad range in early 2021.
The report also states that Apple AirPods 3 might launch in the first half of 2021. The new true wireless earphones will have a different design to Apple AirPods 2 with interchangeable ear tips and shorter stem like the AirPods Pro. But the main differentiating factor will be the lack of premium features like active noise cancellation that will maintain AirPods Pro as the flagship product in Apple’s true wireless audio range.
Career Technology might receive component orders for AirPods 3 with Mini-LED iPads and would also benefit for any possible adoption of Mini-LED display on the upcoming iPhones. The predictions of Kuo point towards Mini-LED displays being adopted heavily by Apple in 2021 and the analyst has been always right with his research and predictions.