Supply chain sources speaking to Digitimes claim that component production is ramping up for Apple’s next generation 9.7-inch iPad. According to the report, the tablet will be unchanged when it comes to size and resolution, but will sport an even thinner profile, enhanced processor, and improved Touch ID fingerprint recognition technology.
Touch panel makers TPK and GIS have so far seen the most orders from Apple for the iPad, although the Digitimes report also claims that Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display are seeing increased for the iPhone 6 — which suggests that display manufacturing is now in full swing ahead of an expected September 19 sales date for the handset.
While Apple has reportedly placed unprecedented orders for its new 4.7-inch iPhone 6, it is unknown what size order has been placed for the new iPad, given that the overall tablet market is shrinking. Tim Cook recently referred to this as a “speed bump.”
Although it sounds like the next gen iPad will just be an incremental improvement over its (admittedly great) predecessor, there have also been plenty of recent reports about a possible 12.9-inch iPad that could arrive as early as Q1 next year, essentially making it a touchscreen iOS MacBook Air minus a keyboard.
Source: Digitimes
