iPad Mini 2 Displays to be Produced by Sharp and LG

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Displays for the iPad Mini 2 will be produced by Sharp and LG.

The company will no longer use AU Optronics for their touchscreens on the shrunken down slate. Production on the new device is expected to ramp up in the coming months and both LG and Sharp have gotten on board. Sharp has gained a technological advantage in energy efficiency which has solidified its place and Samsung is currently competing to replace AU Optronics production share, according to the ETNews.com report.

"LG Display already secured order from Apple. Sharp seems to have no problem in getting approval from Apple as a supplier for iPad mini 2 despite some product quality problems, because it is the only supplier of oxide semiconductor LCD," wrote the publication.

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AU Optronics failed to meet Apple's standards with its work on the original iPad mini as the company was unable to meet the production requirements until months after the device's launch. AU has also been unable to meet technical and timing milestones for the next-generation iPad mini and Apple's improved relationship with Samsung has allowed the company to be more flexible with choosing its suppliers.

The latest reports on the iPad mini point to Apple launching two different versions including a revamped model and a slightly improve version of the current one.

"Apple is reportedly aiming to use Retina panel technology equipped with 2,048 by 1,536 resolution in the next generation 7.9-inch iPad mini," wrote the site. "Apple is also said to be revising the design of the chassis to give the next-generation iPad Mini an almost bezel-free look."

The improved model of the current version will arrive sometime before the end of the year.

"While the new iPad mini may not be available during the year-end shopping season, Apple reportedly may first release a slightly updated version of the current iPad Mini in the second half of 2013, which is expected to be lighter, thinner and equipped with improved specifications," added DigiTimes.