Because of continuing problems producing the Retina display for the new iPad, Apple continues to give the job solely to Samsung. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with KGI Securities, all of the panels used by Apple in the first quarter were produced by the Korean based manufacturer. The analyst said that LG Displays was supposed to have started delivery of the same panel in the current quarter.
With production of the screen described as complex, other companies outside of Samsung have been struggling with its production. So while Samsung will remain the main supplier of the displays with LG adding some production this quarter, it is believed that Apple's third screen supplier, Sharp, won't be able to deliver its expected number of screens until the third quarter.
In a research report to clients, the analyst wrote that, "Sharp Still has production yield and material stability issues unresolved due to the adoption of Oxide technology." Due to lack of supply, Kuo believes that Apple sold 13.1 million units of its tablet last quarter. He expects sales to rise to 18.6 million in the second quarter as production of the Retina displays picks up and more iPads become available. Shipping time for the new iPad has dropped down in the last few days to 5 to 7 days, a sign that supply is coming in balance with demand.
Kuo also believes that Apple will release a iPad-mini version with a 7.85 inch screen in time for the winter holiday season.
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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