Apple Inc.’s upcoming top-tier iPad Pro that will receive the next-generation display destined to be its highlight, is facing production issues that could lead to short initial supplies of the new device, according to a recent report by Bloomberg.
In the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, Apple set to be announced as early as the second half of April, plans to showcase a new MiniLED display technology. But the American company’s overseas suppliers of the display are dealing with poor manufacturing yields, Bloomberg’s sources, who asked not to be named discussing sensitive matters. According to the source, the situation looks grim, as at least one of the MiniLED makers has had to pause production recently.
The Cupertino, California-based tech giant, still has no intention of stalling the announcement of its updated iPad Pro tablets in two sizes, which was set to be announced this month, other people familiar with its product road map said. The MiniLED screen, which will deliver a brighter picture and improve contrast ratios, will be exclusive to the pricier 12.9-inch model. The production scenario issue could mean that the larger iPad Pro, 12.9-inch model, will ship later and be available in constrained quantities, to begin with.
It was reported last month that Apple was gearing up to debut new iPad Pros in April.
According to Bloomberg, key providers of the MiniLED technology include “Taiwan-based suppliers Ennostar Inc., General Interface Solution Holding Ltd., and Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology Corp.”
The new iPad Pro models set to launch this month will be Apple’s first major hardware launch of 2021. It will add to a product line that has performed particularly well and raked in huge revenue as people increasingly work and study from home. During the holiday quarter of 2020, the iPad generated $8.4 billion in revenue for Apple, the most since 2014.
As students begin returning to schools and workers to offices, Apple will be betting on the upgraded iPad models to maintain interest in its tablet line.
