According to a report by DigiTimes, Apple is said to be preparing to release new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with more power-efficient mini-LED displays before the end of the year. These new displays are expected to be 10% brighter than the previous generation, while still using less power. The increased brightness is not intended to improve picture quality, but rather to save energy and improve battery life.
While these claims are not unbelievable, there are reasons to doubt the launch timing mentioned in the report. Apple recently updated the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January, so most rumors suggest that refreshed models will come next year. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects the next version of these machines to feature M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, with a likely launch date of mid-2024 at the latest. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also predicts that new MacBook Pro models with updated 3-nanometer M3 Pro and M3 Max chips will be released in 2024, offering improved performance and power efficiency.
The report also suggests that the iPad Pro series might switch from mini-LED backlighting to hybrid OLED displays in 2024, while MacBook Pro models will continue to use mini-LED technology until 2026. This is due to concerns about burn-in issues commonly associated with OLED screens, as laptops are often left on for extended periods. It is widely rumored that Apple is working on OLED technology for future Macs and iPads, and the company is expected to switch iPad Pro models to OLED displays next year. Display sizes are also expected to slightly increase for the next iPad Pro models, from 11 and 12.9 inches to 11.1 and 13 inches.
However, it is not expected that the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will be upgraded with OLED displays until 2026. According to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, Apple’s supply chain is expected to have sufficient notebook-optimized OLED display production capacity by then. Until that time, suppliers will be focused on supplying OLED displays for tablets like the iPad Pro. There have been rumors of an OLED MacBook Air coming sooner, but this remains to be seen.
It’s important to note that DigiTimes’ information comes from suppliers who manufacture parts for Apple products. While their sources often provide reliable information, the site has a mixed track record when it comes to accurately interpreting and deciphering Apple’s plans. Therefore, it’s best to view this information with some skepticism until it is corroborated by additional sources.
In conclusion, Apple is rumored to be working on new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with more power-efficient mini-LED displays that are 10% brighter than the previous generation. However, the launch timing mentioned in the report is questionable, as most rumors suggest that refreshed MacBook Pro models will come in 2024. Additionally, the report suggests that the iPad Pro series may switch to OLED displays in 2024, while the MacBook Pro models will continue to use mini-LED technology until 2026. As always, it’s best to take these rumors with a grain of salt and wait for official announcements from Apple.