Taiwanese touch panel maker GIS plans to expand its backend module capacity to new products at its plant in Chengdu, China, according to industry sources cited in a supply chain publication today. DigiTimes.
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One of the new products is likely to be Apple’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display, which is scheduled to be launched in late March or the beginning of the second quarter, industry sources said. The deadline suggests that the device could be announced by Apple in the coming weeks, or in April at the latest.
A new 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a Mini-LED screen has been widely publicized for many months. The device would still have an LCD screen, but with Mini-LED backlight for greater brightness, improved contrast ratio and other benefits. It is unclear whether the 11-inch iPad Pro will also be updated with a Mini-LED screen, as many rumors have mentioned only the 12.9-inch model, despite the fact that the devices are usually updated together.
The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also expected to feature a faster A14X chip and support for 5G networks on models with cellular connectivity.
March is a common month for Apple to announce new or updated products. Apple last updated its iPad Pro line in March 2020 with a slightly improved A12Z Bionic chip, an Ultra Wide camera, a LiDAR scanner and better-sounding microphones.
Chinese leaker “Kang” recently suggested that Apple plans to hold an event on March 23, and although it has a strong track record so far, Apple may, of course, choose to announce the new iPad Pro with a press release. Other product rumors include Apple’s AirTags item trackers, a new Apple TV, new AirPods and more Apple silicon Macs.