Apple’s display suppliers are reportedly preparing to undergo a certification examination as rumors surrounding a smaller version of Apple’s wildly popular iPad tablet continue to swirl. Taiwan-based news organization The Liberty Times on Thursday reported that display panel suppliers LG Display and AU Optronics are currently readying their lines and sample panels for a certification exam. Assuming all goes as planned, the manufacturers will reportedly split production of 6 million “iPad mini” screens ahead of the tablet’s launch later this year. TPK Holding and Chimei Innolux are said to be supplying backlight modules for the new slate. Apple is rumored to be developing an ultra-thin iPad mini that will launch in the fourth quarter this year. The tablet will seemingly feature a display that measures 7.85 inches diagonally, and a recent report suggested that Apple intends to launch a fierce attack on low-cost tablets from Amazon and Barnes & Noble by pricing the iPad mini between $200 and $250.
[Via Macotakara]
