Apple Preparing to Ship New iPad, Tweaking Panel Inventory [DigiTimes]

A new report comes from Taiwan citing the usual supply chain sources as saying that Apple is not only revising its new iPad with Retina display, but that it is also gearing up to release an all-new version of the tablet as it adjusts panel inventory, moving a good chunk of orders from Samsung over to Sharp and LG.

Taiwan-based supply chain makers are telling DigiTimes that almost 20 million TFT panels are to be shipped for the iPad 2 and the new iPad (third-generation) in the third quarter of 2012

These sources further noted that, “As Apple is revising the new iPad and plans to launch a new version of iPad, the vendor is expected to adjust inventory level of iPad panels, with shipments decreasing in July and August and then increasing in September,” the report specifically said.

That new version of the iPad is thought to be an iPad “mini” that boasts a 7.85-inch display. The device could be unveiled alongside the iPhone 5 this fall.

DigiTimes continues with a bit of documentation on the technologies behind the current iPad displays, noting that they are produced using a-Si TFT and oxide TFT technologies.

The Cupertino, California-based giant is said to plan an increase in use of oxide TFT panels shipped by Sharp for the new iPad.

The company is also reportedly decreasing the amount of total shipments of iPad panels from Samsung Electronics.

However, those orders are not cancelled, but rather they are being moved over to Sharp and LG Display, the sources noted, perhaps because they offer better yield rates and newer technologies.

There have been a few rumors that Apple wants to revise the current generation of iPads with Retina displays, and if the past is any indication, it just might.

Almost a year after launching the iPad 2, Apple introduced a new model that seemed identical to the previous iPad 2 models, but that featured an improved processor, which led to a longer battery life.