Apple's Mini-LED Suppliers to Ramp up Shipments for Redesigned MacBook Pro Models in Third Quarter

Apple's mini-LED suppliers for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro have entered the supply chain for its redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which are on schedule to be unveiled in September, according to a new paywalled DigiTimes report.

Mini LED MacBook Pro Feature

Zhen Ding Technology and Tripod Technology have both entered the supply chain for Apple's upcoming mini LED-backlit MacBook series, and will be ramping up their shipments of backlight boards starting the third quarter, according to industry sources.

According to the report, Zhen Ding will complete its second-phase investment in capacity expansion for mini-LED boards in the third quarter to meet demand for the 14-inch and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models, which are "set for launch in late third-quarter 2021," said sources who spoke to DigiTimes.

The third quarter runs from July through September, which would line up with a ‌MacBook Pro‌ announcement during or around Apple's annual iPhone event, which is on course this year to return to its traditional September schedule. A September ‌MacBook Pro‌ unveiling would be unusual for Apple, but not impossible, given the recent change of format for launches and announcements due to the global health crisis.

Tripod has reportedly cleared Apple's validations for equipment and capacity at its new plant in China's Xiantao, Hubei province and will be able to start production of mini-LED boards for the new ‌MacBook Pro‌ series in the third quarter as scheduled.

Both makers are optimistic that the higher unit prices and gross margins on the mini-LED shipments will contribute to their profitability in the second half of the year.

The upcoming ‌MacBook Pro‌ models will feature the most significant design overhaul to the ‌MacBook Pro‌ line that we've seen since 2016, and the updated machines will also address complaints that users have had with the ‌MacBook Pro‌ for years by bringing back older features that include MagSafe, more ports, and physical function keys.

The 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ that's in the works will replace the existing 13-inch version, while the 16-inch model will be a successor to the current 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌. The 14-inch model is expected to feature slimmed-down bezels, though the casing may also be slightly larger.

Both new models will have a flat-edged design that has been described as "similar to the ‌iPhone‌ 12" with no curved edges like current models, but in practice, the design changes may be smaller than expected. For all the details, check out the "What's Next" section of our dedicated MacBook Pro guide.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Caution)
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
iPhone 17 Pro on Desk Centered 1

Survey: Nearly 70% of Users Plan to Upgrade to iPhone 17

Monday September 1, 2025 8:24 am PDT by
A new survey has found that nearly seven in ten iPhone owners in the United States plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17 model, signaling strong demand ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of the devices at its September 9 keynote. Smartphone price comparison platform SellCell surveyed over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in August to assess upgrade interest and brand loyalty before Apple's event....

Top Rated Comments

Khedron Avatar
55 months ago
Apple rumour site MacRumors ready to ramp up articles about redesigned mini-LED MacBook Pro models
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FightTheFuture Avatar
55 months ago

I don't want more ports. Especially not proprietary ports like MagSafe!

Just give me a powerful new M2 14" mini-LED MacBook with a great new design and function keys. Thanks!
People who want MagSafe or HDMI back aren’t thinking it through. Would you rather have HDMI or another usb-c/thunderbolt 4 port?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reason077 Avatar
55 months ago
I don't want more ports. Especially not proprietary ports like MagSafe!

Just give me a powerful new M2 14" mini-LED MacBook with a great new design and function keys. Thanks!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
8CoreWhore Avatar
55 months ago
W E L L * H U R R Y * U P ! ! * I * A M * D Y I N G * H E R E ! ! ???
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Armada2 Avatar
55 months ago
3 short posted articles on the same re-hashed information. Just the image changed.. week is nearly over. Hang in there!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lilkwarrior Avatar
55 months ago

I have no clue, but I would love to see Apple move towards industry standard 1920x1080 (in essence 4K since retina).
It might be small on a 14", but Dell/HP/Lenovo has 12, 13 and 14" with 1920x1080 (non-retina) and even the 12" is usable. 4K is offered on 13" and 15" Dells so 4K on 14" and 16" should pose no problem.

I would say 4K is the "sweet spot" where 1920x1080 retina is looking good, while able to handle 4K content.
If the 16" has anything less than 4K I will be duly disappointed.
Heck no regarding the 16:9 dimensions. 16:10 is extremely well liked aspect of Macbook Pros that should persist. Creative professionals, developers, & a good deal of Silicon Valley would flip tables deviating from that well-loved ratio of Pro Macs.

218 ppi is fine as is; 5k/6K would be neat. what’s preferred is Liquid XDR in the Macbook Pros + Dolby Vision HDR.

120hz refresh rate would be ideal, but I’ve resigned they may not have the courage to do this.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)