Upcoming MacBook Pro Models Could Feature 120Hz Mini-LED Displays

Apple today announced an upcoming "Unleashed" event for Monday, October 18, and the event is expected to focus on the MacBook Pro, which is long overdue for a refresh.

Mini LED MacBook Pro Feature
We've been hearing endless exciting rumors about the new machines, but this morning, display analyst Ross Young shared something new - the upcoming MacBook Pro models could feature a 120Hz refresh rate.

In a Twitter conversation, Young said that the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will feature mini-LED displays with 120Hz refresh rates. We've heard about the possibility of a mini-LED display prior to now, but Young says that it is "100% confirmed."


He claims that Apple will use the same panel suppliers that it uses for the iPad Pro, and oxide backplanes, mini-LED backlights, and 120Hz refresh rates are expected. Though he says mini-LED technology is a sure thing, Young seems less sure about the inclusion of a faster 120Hz "ProMotion" refresh rate, though it appears to be a possibility.


"We believe they will be 120Hz," Young wrote in response to someone who asked whether a 120Hz refresh rate was confirmed. ProMotion technology is used in the ‌iPad Pro‌ and the iPhone 13 Pro models, so it would not be a surprise to also see it in the MacBook Pro. ProMotion offers a variable refresh rate ranging from 24Hz (10Hz on iPhone) to 120Hz, and at the maximum refresh rate, it results in smoother scrolling and gameplay, along with other benefits. The variable refresh rate allows the display to conserve energy when higher frame rates are not needed, preserving battery life.

Mini-LED technology has previously been mentioned by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman has also shared several details on what we can expect, which he reiterated in an article posted after the event invites went out.

According to Gurman, the new MacBook Pro models will feature the biggest change to the line since the 2016 refresh that introduced the current design. Apple is planning to introduce a new version of the M1, dubbed M1X, which is a much more powerful chip.

It is expected to feature 10 cores, with eight high-performance cores for system intensive tasks and two efficiency cores for basic operations. 16 and 32-core graphics options will be available, and the machines could support up to 64GB RAM.

Apple is planning to offer the upcoming machines in 14 and 16-inch screen sizes, which will replace the current Intel models. Along with a refreshed design that features flatter edges similar to the ‌iPhone 13‌ Pro, the new MacBook Pro models will be equipped with a MagSafe magnetic charger and will feature an HDMI port, USB-C ports, and an SD card slot. There will be no Touch Bar, as Apple plans to remove it in favor of a standard row of function keys.

For more on what to expect from the upcoming MacBook Pro models, we have a dedicated guide where we have aggregated all of the rumors we've heard so far.

Apple is also working on a redesigned and higher-end version of the Mac mini, a smaller Mac Pro, a larger iMac, a new low-end MacBook Pro, and a revamped MacBook Air, according to Bloomberg, and we could see the ‌Mac mini‌ at the event. AirPods 3 are in development as well and could make an appearance.

Apple plans to livestream the October 18 event, but MacRumors will also have live coverage both here on MacRumors.com and on our MacRumorsLive Twitter account.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro 14 & 16"
Related Forum: MacBook Pro

Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
32 months ago
The best in the game has spoken.

OMG!!! This will be a game changer. APPLE is about to unleash the beast. Pure Authentic Power! I’m so ready to place my order!!!
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
32 months ago

it's not from Prosser so I believe it o_O
It’s coming from a master! Ross young. He’s the display master. He’s very reliable.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
32 months ago
it's not from Prosser so I believe it o_O
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProfessionalFan Avatar
32 months ago

I'd honestly rather have a 60hz OLED than miniLEDs :/
Wouldn't burn in be a concern on a computer?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProfessionalFan Avatar
32 months ago

Oh no, ohhhhh nooooo, I’ve said if it comes with this it’s a 100 percent purchase.
Timmy saw and he is coming for that wallet
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Superhappytree Avatar
32 months ago
The more 120Hz implemented in their devices the better. I just hope they can address the stuttering issues which make for an inconsistent mess. It’s so jarring on the 13 Pro when you are swiping around where it’s all pleasantly smooth but then all of a sudden you run into a stuttery janky animation. It’s such a stark contrast that ruins the otherwise smooth experience.

With 120Hz in their phones, iPads and now (hopefully) MacBooks, I hope it will make them focus on addressing these issues.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

reset password request iphone

Warning: Apple Users Targeted in Phishing Attack Involving Rapid Password Reset Requests

Tuesday March 26, 2024 4:34 pm PDT by
Phishing attacks taking advantage of Apple's password reset feature have become increasingly common, according to a report from KrebsOnSecurity. Multiple Apple users have been targeted in an attack that bombards them with an endless stream of notifications or multi-factor authentication (MFA) messages in an attempt to cause panic so they'll respond favorably to social engineering. An...
iPhone Home Screen Gradient Blank Spaces 1

Sources: iOS 18 Lets Apps Be Placed Anywhere on Home Screen Grid

Sunday March 24, 2024 1:33 pm PDT by
iOS 18 will give iPhone users greater control over Home Screen app icon arrangement, according to sources familiar with the matter. While app icons will likely remain locked to an invisible grid system on the Home Screen, to ensure there is some uniformity, our sources say that users will be able to arrange icons more freely on iOS 18. For example, we expect that the update will introduce...
iPad Pro 2024 Landscape Camera Feature

New iPad Pro Again Rumored to Feature Landscape Front-Facing Camera

Monday March 25, 2024 5:43 am PDT by
The next-generation iPad Pro will feature a landscape-oriented front-facing camera for the first time, according to the Apple leaker known as "Instant Digital." Instant Digital reiterated the design change earlier today on Weibo with a simple accompanying 2D image. The post reveals that the entire TrueDepth camera array will move to the right side of the device, while the microphone will...
maxresdefault

Apple Announces WWDC 2024 Event for June 10 to 14

Tuesday March 26, 2024 10:02 am PDT by
Apple today announced that its 35th annual Worldwide Developers Conference is set to take place from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14. As with WWDC events since 2020, WWDC 2024 will be an online event that is open to all developers at no cost. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. WWDC 2024 will include online sessions and labs so that developers can learn about new...
sonoma desktop wwdc

Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 With Fix for USB Hub Bug

Monday March 25, 2024 10:10 am PDT by
Apple today released macOS Sonoma 14.4.1, a minor update for the macOS Sonoma operating system that launched last September. macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 comes three weeks after macOS Sonoma 14.4. The ‌‌‌‌macOS Sonoma‌‌ 14.4‌.1 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Settings. There's also a macOS 13.6.6 release for those who...
Generic iOS 18 Feature Purple

iOS 18 Will Finally Bring This Android Feature to iPhone

Monday March 25, 2024 6:42 am PDT by
iOS 18 will allow iPhone users to place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen grid, according to sources familiar with development of the software update. This basic feature has long been available on Android smartphones. While app icons will likely remain locked to an invisible grid system on the Home Screen, our sources said that users will be able to arrange icons more freely on iOS 18....
apple maps 3d feature

Apple Maps May Gain Custom Routes With iOS 18

Tuesday March 26, 2024 3:10 pm PDT by
Apple may be planning to add support for "custom routes" in Apple Maps in iOS 18, according to code reviewed by MacRumors. Apple Maps does not currently offer a way to input self-selected routes, with Maps users limited to Apple's pre-selected options, but that may change in iOS 18. Apple has pushed an iOS 18 file to its maps backend labeled "CustomRouteCreation." While not much is revealed...