Apple refreshed the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro late last year, but only under the hood. But a more hardware-focused refresh is still in the works, and at least one supplier for that future product is seeing improvements in that regard.
In a report from DigiTimes, Apple supplier TSMT is seeing some improvements to production when it comes to mini-LED displays. TSMT is familiar with this manufacturing process, with the company supplying essential parts for the mini-LED display used in the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. However, according to this report, the supply partner has seen some constraints and technical challenges recently.
But, TSMT has worked out the kinks, according to DT, and is pushing ahead with manufacturing the adhesive materials and circuit board materials for the mini-LED displays in the upcoming, but still rumored, 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. TSMT has reportedly reached a production yield of over 95% at this point, which is good news for Apple as it aims to bring the new display technology to more products.
From the report:
TSMT is the exclusive provider of SMT services for the recently launched 12.9-inch ‌iPad Pro‌’s miniLED backlights and is expected to do the same for the two upcoming miniLED-backlit MacBook models, the sources said.
…
Due to issues with PCBs and adhesive materials, TSMT’s yield rates for surface mounting for miniLED backlighting was not high enough originally, the sources noted. After changing PCB and adhesive material suppliers, TSMT has hiked yield rates to over 95% currently, the sources indicated.
The new MacBook Pro models are expected to adopt a lot of changes. That includes removing the Touch Bar and opting for physical function keys (again). The new laptops are also said to adopt MagSafe charging cable, and will reportedly adopt an HDMI port and an SD card slot.
The new MacBook Pro laptops are also expected to utilize Apple’s custom M-series processor, too.
If these new MacBook Pro models do become a reality, are you planning to upgrade?