Kuo: New 31.6" Apple Display in 2019 and 15-17" MacBook in 2021 to Feature Mini-LED Backlights [Updated]

Apple plans to launch a trio of new products with Mini-LED backlights over the next two years, including a 31.6" display in the second or third quarter of 2019, a 10-12" iPad in late 2020 or early 2021, and a 15-17" MacBook in the first half of 2021, according to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

thunderbolt display

Apple's discontinued Thunderbolt Display

An excerpt from Kuo's research note, obtained by MacRumors:

We believe that mini LED, compared to OLED, will be a more suitable solution to offer wide-color gamut (WCG)/high-contrast/high dynamic range (HDR)/local dimming features because of its longer life and no burn-in issues for Apple's medium- and large-size products targeting at productivity positions.

We forecast that Apple will respectively launch an all-new design 31.6-inch monitor, a 10–12 inch iPad and a 15–17 inch MacBook equipped with a mini LED backlight unit (BLU) in 2–3Q19, 4Q20–1Q21 and 1–2Q21.

Kuo believes that the 31.6-inch display "will target a very high-end position" and feature an "all-new design."

In a previous research note, Kuo predicted that Apple would launch both a 31.6-inch display and a 16-16.5" MacBook Pro in 2019, so it's not entirely clear if the 15-17" MacBook refers to a separate notebook or if Kuo now believes the 16-16.5" MacBook Pro is coming a few years later than he originally expected.

Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Neutral)
Related Forums: Mac Accessories, MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

0982786 Avatar
81 months ago
Dang. So does this mean I should stop waiting for a new MBP unless I want to wait 2 more years?
You probably want to wait until they fix the keyboard issues anyhow.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thevofl Avatar
81 months ago
I am hoping that the touch bar will go back to being an option on the 15". For the love of god, kill that thing.
Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
81 months ago
This guy throws crap against the wall and sees what sticks.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThisBougieLife Avatar
81 months ago
I have this feeling the 13-inch MacBook Pro’s days are numbered. The new Air will be the new definitive 13-inch laptop as the new MBP will give Pro users the choice between 15” and 17” once again in Apple’s future lineup.
That sounds good to me. I’m probably one of the few who’d actually like a 17” laptop. Powerful like a desktop but still portable. Perfect combo for me :)
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jbryant705 Avatar
81 months ago
Dang. So does this mean I should stop waiting for a new MBP unless I want to wait 2 more years?
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Naraxus Avatar
81 months ago
Kuo is little more than a carnival barker....
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)