According to a new forecast from TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the first Apple device to feature Mini-LED technology may hit the market later than expected due to problems caused by coronavirus pandemic.
In a note to investors on Thursday, Kuo said a recent supply chain review indicates that Apple manufacturing partners such as Mini-LED module supplier Epistar and exclusive chip and Mini-LED module testing system provider FitTech are preparing to mass production of LED chips in the third quarter of 2020. This will be followed by a panel assembly phase in the fourth quarter, which could potentially span the first quarter of 2021.
Back in March, Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that by the end of this year, Apple's portfolio would be replenished with six models with screens based on Mini-LED technology, including a 12,9-inch iPad Pro tablet, a 10,2-inch iPad, a 7,9-inch iPad mini, 27-inch iMac Pro, redesigned 16-inch MacBook Pro and 14,1-inch MacBook Pro.
According to the analyst, despite a slight change in the release schedule of devices supporting Mini-LED, difficulties caused by COVID-19 will not have a noticeable impact on the company's overall strategy.
βWe believe investors need not be too concerned about the Mini-LED launch delay as it is a key technology that Apple will be promoting over the next five years,β Kuo said in a note to investors. βEven if the novel coronavirus affects the short-term chart, it will not harm the long-term positive trend.β
By the way, about the possible postponement of the release of the Apple iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display and analyst Jeff Pu.
Source: 3dnews.ru