One report coming out of Digitimes this evening notes Apple is considering moving its Mac mini production to the USA, and another report shares information regarding the use of IGZO technology for future iPhone, iPad and iPad mini displays.
When new iMacs made their way to US shores, some labels read “Assembled in USA”, which added speculation Apple would bring some manufacturing back to the United States. Apple CEO Tim Cook told NBC’s Brian Williams he was planning on investing over $100 million to bring Mac manufacturing back to to the USA. Tonight’s Digitimes report claims Foxconn will head the production of Mac minis in the USA:
Currently, Foxconn has about 15 operating bases in the US and the company reportedly plans to start recruiting workers in 2013 for new automated production lines.
The report notes Mac mini shipments are estimated to reach 1.4 million units in 2012 (a 40% increase), and 1.8 million units in 2013 according to their research.
Apple Looking into IGZO Displays for the iPhone, iPad and iPad mini
Digitimes also reports Apple is reportedly looking into Sharp’s IGZO display technology for future iPhone and iPads. The technology is thinner, uses less power and has better display properties:
The sources said Apple is in further discussions with Sharp over IGZO panel production capacity estimates for 2013 and is also inquiring about whether AU Optronics’ (AUO) L5C line could be used to produce the technology.
Sharp previously showed off their IGZO displays at IFA Berlin in September. Back in November, other reports claimed AU Optronics was preparing a Retina display for the next generation iPad mini.
