DigiTimes has a rather poor track record when it comes to Apple rumors, so it’s always best to take its reports with a healthy heap of salt. The latest claims that Apple has informed its suppliers to prepare for a next-generation iPad in “mid-2013.” The Cupertino company has always launched its latest tablet around March, it is expected next year’s model will come slightly later.
The report also claims that Apple is working to reduce the number of LED backlights in the new model in an effort to simplify its manufacturing process.
DigiTimes reports:
While Apple is adjusting the design of the New iPad, the vendor has told its suppliers that they will have to prepare for a next-generation tablet model in the middle of 2013, with the number of LED chips used in backlighting expected to be reduced from the 84 used in New iPad, according to sources with Taiwan-based supply chain makers.
The new iPad will reportedly maintain the 9.7-inch display featured on all three iPads Apple has released to date — as you’d expect — and it’s expected to utilize “two-chip” LED packages as opposed to the one-chip packages used in previous models.
For the last three years, Apple has been consistent with its iPad launches, which have all been around the March-April time. It seems unlikely the Cupertino company would change that, but there might be a good reason for doing so.
Recent rumors have claimed that Apple will unveil its iPad mini later this month, with a launch before the lucrative holiday season. If the 7.85-inch device sells as well as it’s expected to, and the iPhone 5 continues to be a big seller, Apple’s suppliers could have a difficult time taking on a fourth-generation iPad as well.
With that said, Apple may be thinking about moving the new iPad’s launch until a little later on in 2013 when its suppliers and assemblers have had chance to catch their breath.
Source: DigiTimes
