Sharp Reducing Fourth Gen iPad Display Production Due to iPad mini Popularity

New iPad and iPad mini

New iPad and iPad mini

Apple’s iPad mini has been around for several months, and with device consistently increasing in popularity, it is no surprise that part productions for the device have also increased. According to a report from Reuters, Sharp is reducing the production of the 9.7” displays for the fourth generation iPad, due to the popularity of the iPad mini.

This production is reportedly in response to a shift in demand from the full-sized iPad to the mini after a slowdown in late 2012. Two sources who reported to Reuters noted that 9.7” displays have “fallen to a minimal level” at the company’s Kameyama plant in Japan.

The sources didn’t say how much of the slowdown was due to seasonal changes in demand or consumers opting for the smaller iPad mini and were unable to characterize Apple’s overall tablet sales.

Apple has already experienced a whirlwind of negativity and has seen a decline in its stock price after the web became abuzz with reports that the company was cutting iPhone 5 orders due to weak demand for the product. Despite these reports being reiterated by many major news outlets, a number of other analysts have negated these claims in support of the iPhone 5.

With reduced production of the fourth gen iPad displays, it is possible that the Cupertino company is looking to release a newer model, likely with a different type of screen. This may be the first time that Apple includes an IGZO display in its iPad, as previously reported. KGI securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo has mentioned that Apple’s next iPad will be significantly lighter and thinner. The ‘iPad 5’ may include a better screen, updated cameras, and a faster processor.

{Via AppleInsider}

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