Apple leans on Sharp for its super-sharp iPad Pro displays

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The iPad Pro could delay the iPad Air, cancel the iPad mini.
The iPad Pro is on its way.
Photo: CURVED

Apple is turning to Sharp to provide the displays for its upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Pro, according to a new report, claiming that the device will go into production by the end of this year’s third quarter — with mass production following shortly thereafter.

Sharp is said to be providing Open Cell LCD displays, while GIS will be responsible for the super-sized tablets’ touch modules, lamination and LCM assembly.

Samsung Display and TPK will reportedly act as secondary suppliers for the iPad Pro.

Sharp has long been working with Apple as a supplier for its displays. Last year, the company allocated a sizeable chunk of its LCD production facilities to building displays for Apple.

The relationship hasn’t always been without problems, however. Not only has Apple previously had to bail Sharp out in order to keep supplies flowing, but the company’s senior executives have often sounded a bit less-than-grateful when it comes to relying so heavily on Cupertino.

Still, given that iPad Pro shipments are expected to only reach between 4-5 million units this year (compared to the 10 million units the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sold in their opening weekend, for instance), hopefully the company is more than able to supply Apple with what it needs!

For more information about what you can expect from the iPad Pro, check out our report from yesterday.

Source: Digitimes

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