Apple will release its first mini-LED MacBook Air in 2022

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2020 MacBook Air
MacBook Air could get a fancy new display next year.
Photo: Apple

Apple will introduce its first MacBook Air with mini-LED display panel in 2022, TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims in a new research note to clients published Thursday.

Kuo previously reported that the next-gen displays will be introduced to the high-end MacBook Pro this year. They are also rumored to be part of the next 12.9-inch iPad Pro, debuting in April. Kuo’s latest report, seen by Cult of Mac, suggests that they will also be introduced to Apple’s entry-level laptops, too.

Currently the MacBooks and iPads boast LCD panels. The advantage of mini-LED is that it they offer higher contrast, deeper blacks, improved brightness, and better power efficiency. While the iPhone has been using OLED screens — which offer some of the same advantages — since 2017’s iPhone X, Kuo writes that:

“From a technical perspective, OLED is not suitable for productivity devices due to burn- in and lifetime issues. We believe that mini-LED and Apple’s processors (Apple Silicon and iPad processors) are the two critical hardware technologies for Apple’s productivity devices. These two technologies can provide more differentiation advantages and enhance integration with the software/service ecosystem.”

Apple has other display technologies up its sleeve

In addition to mini-LED, Apple is also actively exploring micro-LED technology. In 2014, Apple acquired U.S.-based microLED developer LuxVue Technology. Micro-LED displays could allow Apple to make thinner, smaller, lower power displays. That makes them perfect for wearables, which is why Apple is supposedly considering them for its AR headset and Apple Watch.

Do you think the MacBook could benefit from new display technology? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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