What They Say
The Elec reported rumours that Apple may have had problems with supply of its new miniLED XDR display-based iPad Pro because of low yield from TSMT.
Separately, Trendforce identified Yenrich as another supplier of SMT technology to Apple for the iPad Pro. The Elec said that LG Display and Sharp are supplying the LCD panel. Youngpoong Electronics is supplying the flexible printed circuit board, while Heesung Electronics supplied the LCD module.
Trendforce said that the market reception for the new model has been very positive, so it is increasing its forecasts to 5 million units in 2021.
What We Think
There has been quite a bit of comment about the fact that the iPad Pro uses the same M1 chip as the latest iMac and the MacBook Pro. That has fuelled speculation that Apple might unify the Mac and iPad platforms, but TechCrunch reports an interview with Apple executives who emphasised that the aim is to provide the best possible experience on each type of device. That implies separate development of the software platforms, in my view, but “Never say never”. Microsoft tried to extend its OS over smartphones, tablets and PCs and failed to win in the market. Those developing desktop products based on Android smartphones have struggled to get everything working well, so at the moment, different environments, in my view. I liked this quote from Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus.
“We’ve always tried to have the best display,” says Ternus. “We’re going from the best display on any device like this and making it even better, because that’s what we do and that’s why we, we love coming to work every day is to take that next big step. (BR)
