Apple to use ITO film on upcoming Apple iPads?

The rumored Apple iPad mini and subsequent full-sized versions of the device are expected to come to market with ITO film technology on the display. The initials represent indium tin oxide and the film is used as an electromagnetic shield and also lowers radio interference. This is all the handiwork of a Taiwan based firm called Efun Technologies that has had a steady stream of profit growth thanks to the thin, lightweight coating.

Currently, the coating is being applied to Samsung's handsets, but the big rumor is that the company has snagged Cupertino based Apple as a client. The 7.85 inch screen purportedly on the mini version of Apple's tablet is expected to be treated with the coating as will the 9.7 inch screen on the fourth iteration of the Apple iPad and subsequent models.

Meanwhile, as we get closer to next month's expected introduction of the Apple iPad mini, some companies like Radiant Opto-Electronics in Taiwan are feeling the financial pressure from the adjustment in inventory Apple is making in preparation of the launch of the smaller tablet. The firm produces backlight units for the full-sized variant of the iPad. DigiTimes reports industry sources as saying that Apple shipped 29 million tablets in the first half of the year, and ordered 32 million panels. But in Q3, Apple is expected to make adjustments to account for the alleged launch of the Apple iPad mini. And this has hurt companies like Radiant which reported a 15% sequential drop in revenue for July. The company expects revenue to fall 5 to 10% in the current quarter as compared to the prior three month period.

source: AppleInsider, DigiTimes