Kuo: New 31.6" Apple Display in 2019 and 15-17" MacBook in 2021 to Feature Mini-LED Backlights [Updated] - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

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.

Related Roundups: Studio Display, MacBook Pro
Related Forums: Mac Accessories, MacBook Pro

Popular Stories

Studio Display XDR Dark

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished Studio Display XDR

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:14 pm PDT by
Apple this month began selling certified refurbished Studio Display XDR models in the U.S. for the first time since the display was released in March. Availability extends to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and select other countries. A refurbished Studio Display XDR with a VESA mount adapter and standard glass is priced at $2,459, down from $2,899 for the equivalent new...
iPhone X 2022 Upload

'iPhone Ultra' Likely to 'Repeat the iPhone X Story' With Delayed Launch

Sunday July 5, 2026 10:28 am PDT by
Apple will likely "repeat the iPhone X story" by unveiling its foldable iPhone at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, but starting foldable iPhone pre-orders at a later date, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo today said manufacturing challenges have limited early production of the foldable iPhone, which will reportedly be named iPhone Ultra. As a result, he...
TMRS 201 MacBook Ultra Thumb

The MacRumors Show: Goodbye MacBook Pro? MacBook Ultra Is Coming

Friday July 10, 2026 9:12 am PDT by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the future of Apple's increasingly tangled high-end MacBook lineup, including the entry-level MacBook Pro and the rumored "MacBook Ultra." Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos Apple's chip roadmap for the Mac is reportedly set to take an unusual turn over the next year. The company is said to be skipping the...

Top Rated Comments

96 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)
96 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
96 months ago
This guy throws crap against the wall and sees what sticks.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThisBougieLife Avatar
96 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)
96 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)
96 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.
The 13” MacBook Pro is probably Apples best selling Mac by a country mile. For such a move to work, Apple would need to significantly reduce the cost to build and price points of the 15” model.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors