The company allegedly assessed different technologies ranging from a-Si, TFT LCD and oxide LCD before deciding to go with the latter. The report adds that the iPad Pro will go into mass production in the third quarter of 2015.
Sharp is expected to be the main supplier of oxide LCD panels for the iPad Pro, with LG identified as the most likely contender. “Panel suppliers are expected to be chosen soon and afterwards will begin producing limited amounts of supply around May followed by mass production in July and August,†markets sources told the publication.
Oxide LCD technology, also referred to as “IGZO,†boasts a higher electron mobility than traditional LCD panels. In a nutshell, that means they are faster and more power efficient than the LCD displays Apple currently uses in its iPad lineup.
Power efficient components will be essential for a 12.9-inch iPad Pro — which will obviously require more power than its smaller siblings during normal use — if Apple intends to keep the device as slim as the iPad Air 2 and not introduce a thicker battery.
DigiTimes’ report lines up with yesterday’s story from Bloomberg by adding that the iPad Pro will enter mass production during the third quarter of this year. The device was expected to enter mass production this summer, but it’s unclear for now what the delay will mean for its release date.
[via DigiTimes]
