8-Inch iPad mini Adopts Different BLU Tech, Analysts Suggest

As Apple prepares to reduce shipments of the iPad 2 and third-generation iPad in anticipation of a new model boasting a smaller screen, Taiwan-based backlight unit makers are expected to see a decrease in revenues, industry analysts say.

As always, DigiTimes is on the case from a financial perspective, but the paper’s reports usually also include hardware specifications that corroborate trending rumors, the latest of which is the iPad mini.

Said to boast a 7.85-inch display (which comes closer to 8 inches rather than 7), the new iPad mini is the primary reason why BLU makers such as Radiant Opto-Electronics are expected to see decreases in revenues during Q3 2012.

Financial analysts in Taiwan reportedly said that “panel shipments are expected to decrease as Apple is adjusting its inventory in preparation of releasing new tablet products such as a 7.85-inch iPad in the third quarter.”

Radiant will make up for lost profits with orders for Apple’s MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, the sources added.

In other words, Radiant Opto-Electronics is only good when it comes to Apple’s larger tablets, but not for the rumored mini iPad. So who supplies the BLUs for this device?

It may still be a while before the tablet hits the market (if it ever does), as there’s little information as to who the actual suppliers for the parts in this new Apple device are.

For example, we don’t know who makes the display, the battery, or who will be in charge of assembly (Foxconn? Pegatron?).

We don’t know if the screen is Retina-grade or just a scaled-down version of the iPad 2 display (with the same number of pixels, only smaller).

However, it is said that Apple’s iPad mini will feature a display coated with indium tin oxide (ITO), a transparent material that acts as an EMI shield reducing radio interference.


It remains to be seen just how accurate all these rumors are.