Sam Oliver
Citing anonymous industry sources, DigiTimes reported Tuesday that Taiwan's Novatek Microelectronics, Richtek Technology, Capella Microsystems and Integrated Memory Logic have entered the iPad 3 supply chain. None of the integrated circuit makers confirmed the reports.
"Apple is now more willing to adopt IC solutions from Taiwan-based IC design houses as it is adjusting the cost structure for iPad tablets in order to compete with an array of tablet PCs to be launched by rivals in the second half of 2011, commented the sources," the report said.
Integrated Memory Logic has reportedly been tapped to supply "gamma Vcom buffer solutions" for Apple's anticipated third-generation iPad. That technology is said to be used in touch panels for smartphones and tablets.
In addition, Novatek will reportedly supply LCD driver integrated circuits, Capella will provide ambient light sensors, and Richtek is said to be building integrated power management integrated circuits.
Rumors of a so-called "iPad 3" launching this year have been an on-again, off-again affair throughout 2011. Claims of a third-generation iPad launching in 2011 cropped up before the iPad 2 was even announced.
Apple seemed to silence those rumors when it declared 2011 the "Year of iPad 2" in March. But months later, rumors again surfaced that Apple is planning a third iPad that will expand the product line rather than replace the current iPad 2.
In recent weeks, iPad 3 talk has picked up, with claims that a so-called "iPad 2 Plus" could launch this year with a high-resolution display. Supporting those claims, both LG and Samsung are said to be working on low temperature polysilicon 2048-by-1536-pixel displays for Apple's next-generation tablet.
Another report, also from DigiTimes claimed that Apple's overseas manufacturing partner Foxconn has been in talks to remain the sole assembler of iPad 3 units in 2011. And photos of a component claimed to be leaked from a new iPad model have even suggested that such a device could be a completely redesigned model.
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Charles Martin
William Gallagher
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
Marko Zivkovic
Wesley Hilliard
13 Comments
Either Apple is concerned about keeping costs down or it's looking to charge a premium for a deluxe version of the iPad. It's not likely to be both.
I don't think an iPad costing the same as a basic Macbook Air is going to make the grade, at least not at this time. I also think that Apple is under no pressure to fast track a new version of a product that is still dominating the tablet market. The competition is yet to catch up and when the iPad 3 comes along early next year, God help that competition because I suspect Apple will up the ante considerably.
Either Apple is concerned about keeping costs down or it's looking to charge a premium for a deluxe version of the iPad. It's not likely to be both.
Huh? You don't think that Apple seeks to keep costs down on all it's products when it can do so without sacrificing quality? Anyway iPad volumes are already at 50% of iPhone volumes and growing at 150% YoY, so Apple may be diversifying simply to ensure a reliable supply.
First I think Apple learned a thing or two when the earth trembled on Japan last year. When you get to be Apples size supplier diversification is very important. The biggest problems with the current iPads have been with the ability to scale production, more suppliers in the mix help here too.
Either Apple is concerned about keeping costs down or it's looking to charge a premium for a deluxe version of the iPad. It's not likely to be both.
I don't think it is either. Apple has struggled with scaling device production, I suspect that they will address that first. As to keeping the costs down that is always an issue.
Actually I agree 100% here. In fact I'd go so far as to say they need to lower the price of current hardware some. I could see them re factoring iPad 2 to allow it to be sold at a lower price.
As much as I like my iPad it is a little expensive for what it is. Especially in the context of things like the AIR you mentioned.
Here I disagree completely! In the case of Apple they have a history of letting things slide and then wondering where their sales went. Complacency and keeping a hold on the market do not go together.
Yes Apple has the potential to push iPad 3 far ahead. However they can do massive damage to the competition by bringing iPad 3 out this fall. This would allow Apple to crush much of the competition before they even leave the gate.
Business is brutal. You really can't kick back and coast, rather you need to be sprinting with one eye in the back of your head keeping an eye on the competition. The otherway to look at this is that the game is currently Apples to screw up and loose.
Random bits of information that really don't add up to anything significant.
A new iPhone seems more likely before a new iPad. With the current iPad2 selling so well, I don't see a true iPad3 coming this year.
Yes Apple has the potential to push iPad 3 far ahead. However they can do massive damage to the competition by bringing iPad 3 out this fall. This would allow Apple to crush much of the competition before they even leave the gate.
Right, economies of scale are powerful stuff. If Apple is making 90% of the tablets, and the other 10% is being fought over by a dozen other makers then it has a huge advantage in terms of margin and R&D. As demonstrated in the PMP market, that kind of share can be sustained for years so long as Apple doesn't get careless.