According to DigiTimes, Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology (TSMT) will trial surface mounting of miniLED chips, ICs and other components on PCBs for use in backlighting of two MacBook models to be launched in second-half 2021.
The two models are likely a 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, although an updated MacBook Air (perhaps 14 inches, as well) is also expected. Exactly when new laptops might be available is a question mark due to the worldwide chip shortage.
The next gen MacBook Pro is expected to sport a new design and use the next generation of Apple’s Mx series chips. The next processor could be dubbed the M2.
The mini-LED displays will likely use 10,000 mini-LEDs and will be comparable to OLED screens. They’ll result in good wide color gamut performance, high contrast and HDR, and local dimming.
Mini-LEDs sport a local dimming function with a contrast effect similar to that of OLED displays. However, on some product lines, costs for mini-LED backlit displays may even be lower than their OLED counterparts, according to LEDinside. Mini-LED products are as thin as those using OLED technology so they consume less power than traditional LED screens, and they cost 70-80% less to produce than OLED displays, although their performance is similar.
