Based on the latest data from DigiTimes, LG has received a large order from Apple to produce displays for its devices. Additional panels for iPad mini will also be supplied by AU Optronics. Earlier this year, with the launch of the third-generation iPad with Retina displays, other vendors such as LG were unable to manufacture high-resolution displays.
For this reason, Apple only had to work closely with Samsung - one of its main rivals - that supplied Retina displays for the 9.7-inch iPad. Our posts have highlighted the uneasy partnership between Apple and Samsung. In this context, this week Samsung executives were forced to publicly deny rumors that the contract with Apple regarding the supply of LCD screens has been completed.
An interesting nuance is that LG uses In-Plane Switch technology in the production of its displays to increase the viewing angle. Representatives of AU Optronics claim that their screens will achieve the same quality with "AHVA technology (Advanced Hyper-Viewing Angle)", which is the property of the company. It is also known that AU Optronics also "had problems with the production of panels at an early stage." Currently, AU Optronics has "a much lower order share for iPad mini."
Separately, DigiTimes also reported that the starting price of $ 329 for the iPad mini is due to the presence of GF DITTO or GF2 technology, which allows the iPad mini's screens to be thinner than full-size iPads. GF2 screens are only about $ 5 cheaper than full-size 9.7-inch displays for iPad. The production of displays using this technology cannot yet have the desired performance.
The DigiTimes report also said that LG expects orders for iPad 2 displays for $ 399 in the first quarter of 2013, and since the device had a "stable sales" in the past, this is likely prompting Apple to keep manufacturing the device in the future.
