14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is tapping a multitude of integrated chip (IC) designers from Taiwan to help bring down the manufacturing costs of the unreleased iPad 3, an industry report states.
Trade publication DigiTimes names Taiwan-based IC design houses Novatek Microelectronics, Richtek Technology, Capella Microsystems (Taiwan) and Integrated Memory Logic (iML) as the ones reportedly making their first steps in the supply chain for iPad 3.
Industry sources talking to the paper said Apple has become more flexible in its relationship with part providers, in that it is now more willing to adopt IC solutions from Taiwan-based design houses.
The reason is to adjust the bill of materials (BOM) for iPad tablets in the future, in order to better compete with a sea of devices that are to be released by rivals.
Specifically, Integrated Memory Logic (iML) is believed to have landed orders of its integrated programmable gamma/Vcom buffer solutions for the iPad 3.
The sources noted that the gamma/Vcom buffer solutions are adopted in touch panels for both tablets, and smartphones.
Also believed as already present in the iPad 3 supply chain are Novatek's LCD driver ICs, Capella's ambient light sensors and Richtek's integrated power management ICs.
However, none of the IC vendors confirmed such claims, either because they’re false, or because Apple is enforcing its secretive nature.
A separate report from the same Taiwanese paper said earlier this month that Foxconn Electronics had politely asked Apple to allow it to build all iPad 3 tablets on its own.
The news had arrived shortly after Pegatron Technology had reportedly expressed its desire to take some of the workload off Foxconn’s shoulders.
However, even with one iPad assembly facility damaged, the company run by Terry Gou managed to live up to Apple’s expectations and appears to be on track to exclusively produce the third-generation iPad as well.