iPad 4 Coming in Mid-2013, Says DigiTimes

The usually unreserved DigiTimes is at it again with a new forecast for 2013 which involves the launch of a new iPad, not in spring, but in summer. To the site’s credit, the information reportedly comes from sources familiar with Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

Apple’s suppliers are said to be adjusting the design of the New iPad, but they’ve also received instructions “to prepare for a next-generation tablet model in the middle of 2013, with the number of LED chips used in backlighting expected to be reduced from the 84 used in [the] New iPad,” according to the Taiwanese trade publication.

The sources reportedly indicated that Apple would not forego the 9.7-inch size, but that “[it] will simplify its components to give the device a simpler manufacturing design, such as the amount of LED lights that are used.”

The next-generation model will adopt two-chip packages for its LED backlight units, the sources said.

Apple is widely expected to unveil a new version of the iPad dubbed “mini” at a special event next week.