AU Optronics (AUO), Taiwanese manufacturer of TFT-LCD panels for companies like Apple, Samsung, Dell, Acer, etc, has reportedly ramped up production of iPad mini panels, reaching 1 million in total shipments to Apple, after months of efforts to increase yields, according to a report by DigiTimes. The company is also working on panels for next-generation iPad mini, according to industry sources.
Currently, AUO is supplying AH-VA wide-angle panels for the iPad mini while Apple’s other main panel maker for the device LG Display, provides IPS wide-angle panels. The report notes that AUO has significantly increased panel yields for iPad mini, which will help the company push up its total tablet panel shipments during 2013.
Due to AUO’s yield issues throughout the second half of 2012, cumulative shipments of the iPad mini were less than Apple’s originally estimated 10 million units. However, the sources said AUO has solidified higher yields as of the first quarter in 2013, which will help keep the iPad mini in supply as well as most likely push up AUO’s tablet panel shipments on year in 2013.
Recent reports have also hinted that next-gen iPad mini will feature a Retina Display, which may boost its production costs by an additional $12 per unit.
