Photographer: Jean Chung / Bloomberg
Photographer: Jean Chung / Bloomberg
The next generation display was destined to be a highlight The upcoming iPad Pro from Apple Inc. is facing manufacturing issues that could lead to a short initial supply of the new device, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Cupertino, California-based tech giant plans to unveil a new MiniLED display technology in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro kit in the second half of April. But the company’s foreign suppliers are dealing with poor production yields, the people who asked not to be named on sensitive matters said. At least one of the MiniLED makers has recently had to pause production, one person added.
Apple still plans to announce updated iPad Pro tablets in two sizes this month, other people familiar with the product roadmap said. The MiniLED screen, which improves contrast ratios and produces a brighter picture, is exclusive to the more expensive 12.9-inch model. The production hiccups could mean that the larger iPad Pro will ship later and be available in limited quantities at first, the people said.
Bloomberg News reported last month that Apple was preparing until new iPad Pro’s debut in April. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
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Taiwan-based suppliers Ennostar Inc., General Interface Solution Holding Ltd. and Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology Corp. are among the major suppliers of MiniLED technology.
The new iPad Pro models will be Apple’s first major hardware launch in 2021 and will complement a product line that has performed particularly well as people increasingly work and study from home. In addition to the new display, Apple plans to add a much faster processor similar to the modified M1 chip in the latest Macs, a faster USB-C port that is compatible with a wider range of accessories and monitors and improved cameras.
The iPad generated $ 8.4 billion in revenue for Apple in the holiday quarter of 2020, the highest number since 2014. As students and employees gradually return to schools and offices, Apple is betting on the upgraded iPad models to boost interest in its tablet line. preserve.