Apple may face more severe production issues with the forthcoming iPad mini with Retina display, a report from Japanese business newspaper Nikkei – spotted by CNET – claims. Apple may turn to its rival Samsung to ensure enough supply of the 7.9-inch tablet.
Currently, LG Display and Sharp are the main display suppliers for the new iPad mini, with LG having the only success in meeting production requirements, the report claims, citing a DisplaySearch analyst. But even LG has been experiencing issues, as the analyst characterizes its current state as “not close to full production”.
In the end, production issues experience by LG and Sharp further reinforce Samsung’s position as Apple turns to the company to provide display panels to meet demand, which is critical for the Cupertino company, since the holiday peak season is coming.
It’s worth noting here that an earlier report – back in August – claimed that Samsung had been focusing on providing displays for the full-sized iPad, while LG and Sharp were focusing on the iPad mini.
Seems like Apple just can’t reduce its reliance on Samsung as a supplier, as the latest moves have been pointing in this direction.
The iPad mini’s release date is not yet known, but if the rumours are correct, we could see it in stores on November 21. While the supplies of the improved 7.9-inch tablets are constrained, there seems to be plenty of iPad Air supplies. The 9.7-inch tablet goes on sale today in 45 countries.
