Apple’s fifth-generation iPad will feature a new touchscreen technology that will help it become thinner and lighter, according to industry sources. The device is expected to adopt a new form factor much like the iPad mini’s, with thinner bezels and a smaller frame — and Apple will have to make a number of changes to its internals to enable that.
One of those changes will be a modified backlight, according to recent rumors, while another will be the introduction of “GF2” touchscreen technology. DigiTimes reports:
Apple’s next-generation 9.7-inch iPad is expected to have 2,048 by 1,536 resolution and 264ppi, the same as that of the current model, according to industry sources. But the new device will have a slimmer bezel design and use GF2 touch screen technology, which will make it thinner and lighter.
The technology will reportedly be supplied by TPK and GIS, while the Retina LCD panels themselves will be supplied by LG Display, Samsung, and Sharp.
DigiTimes also has some more rumors on the second-generation iPad mini:
Additionally, Apple is reportedly still choosing whether to use oxide TFT or LTPS backplane technology in its next-generation iPad mini. The sources said that Sharp is looking to provide Apple with Oxide TFT technology while LG and Samsung are leaning towards LTPS, as the Korea-based companies believe using oxide TFT does not result in significantly less power consumption.
DigiTimes maintains that Apple still hasn’t decided whether it will introduce a Retina display to the iPad mini this year for fear it may take yet more sales away from the 9.7-inch iPad. But you could argue that if it doesn’t, it’ll damage sales of the iPad mini instead.
Source: DigiTimes
