Apple’s fifth-generation iPad, which is set to feature an all-new design much like the iPad mini’s, will enter production in July ahead of its September release, according to supply chain sources. Trial production of the device will reportedly begin soon and will ramp up to 2-3 million units this fall.
That’s according to sources for the not-so-reliable DigiTimes, who say the fifth-generation iPad will boast the same 2048×1536 Retina resolution as its predecessor. That display is expected to be packed into an all-new aluminum shell, however, which will look much like the iPad mini’s, only larger.
In an effort to make it thinner, Apple is expected to use new manufacturing methods for the display:
The touch panel solution for 5th-generation iPad is GF2 (1 layer of glass and two layers of ITO film) instead of G/G bonding used in 4th-generation iPad, the sources added.
The new iPad will use one LED light bar for backlighting, compared to two LED light bars used in 4th-generation iPad, the sources noted.
This will lead to a device around 25-33% thinner than the fourth-generation iPad, the sources claim.
LG Display, Sharp, and Samsung — despite rumors claiming Apple is moving away from Samsung’s components — will reportedly supply LCD panels for the new iPad, while Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology will supply its LED light bars.
Source: DigiTimes
