14 DAY TRIAL // While busy citing sources from upstream component makers as saying that Apple is planning a Mac refresh in the following months, Digitimes also has a few more tidbits on the unconfirmed iPad 2. According to the sources cited in a recent report, Apple has contracted not one, but two additional touch-panel suppliers.
Reportedly, the manufacturers are Chimei Innolux and Cando, both of which will be key sources of touch panels for the second-generation iPad, in addition to current suppliers Wintek, Sintek Photronics and TPK Touch Solutions, DigiTimes reports.
The need for an additional two suppliers is due to expanding market for the tablet PCs, industry sources cited by the publication say.
In addition to confirming two new touch-panel suppliers for Apple’s iPad 2, the report also weighs in on the potential sales figures for the next-gen tablet device, mentioning that orders of iPad 2 are expected to top six million units a month.
This compares to a volume of four million units a quarter for the current version, the sources noted, concluding that Apple is forced to expand the number of touch panel suppliers.
The same “industry sources” also said they hadn’t heard of any plans to have a 7-inch iPad released, nor had they heard any talks of new iPhones launching any time soon.
Nonetheless, the sources were reportedly able to confirm that, “to their knowledge Chimei and Cando have landed touch-panel orders from Apple with shipments to begin in January or February.”
In a recent report citing sources from upstream component makers, the same DigiTimes reveals that Apple is preparing to roll out upgraded MacBook Pro and iMac configurations in the first half of 2011.
Cupertino allegedly plans to release at least four upgraded MacBook Pro models, and a brand new iMac featuring a new panel size and price point.