Apple is reportedly cutting down on components for its iPad mini tablet for the second quarter of 2013.
According to Taiwan-based supply chain sources, via DigiTimes, AU Optronics' (AUO) shipments of iPad mini panels are expected to drop to 2.5 million to 2.8 million units during the second quarter. The number of units is down nearly by half as four million units were shipped during the first quarter.
Coincidentally, the alleged decision to decrease the number of panels comes as overall shipments of the 7.9-inch tablet are expected to drop as well. A previous report stated a 20 to 30 percent drop of iPad mini shipments is expected, also for the second quarter, which apparently equated to 10 million units. A reason for the drop is the time period, largely considered as a slow-purchasing period from consumers.
AUO Optronics may see additional cuts when they enter the third business quarter this year, and a reason for this is due to the iPad mini 2. According to DigiTimes, AUO Optronics has submitted panels for the next generation 7.9-inch Apple tablet for certification by the Cupertino-based organization.
Although cuts have reportedly been made in AUO Optronics, Apple also still utilizes LG Display and Sharp to build panels for the upcoming tablet.
In regards to the iPad mini 2, the tablet has been largely speculated to see a fall launch. However, NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim added fuel to rumors of another iPad mini tablet. According to CNET, Shim stated two "refreshes" were coming, one tablet would debut in the first half of this year while the second will launch in the first quarter of 2014.
"The Q1 [of 2014] device will have a Retina display plus an updated processor," said Shim, indicating that the variant meant for this year coming will not feature Retina Display, likely for the third quarter.
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