[Rumor] AU Optronics and LG Display to ship panels for Apple’s iPad mini

[dgstorm]

Now that the new iPhone is finally out, rumors will be focusing on the next upcoming Apple device – the iPad mini. Today sources via DgiTimes indicated the Taiwanese flat panel maker AU Optronics Corp and South Korea’s LG Display Co Ltd. will be the companies in charge of providing Cupertino with the liquid crystal displays (LCD) panels that will help assemble the iPad mini.

Some analysts have forwarded the theory that Apple is rushing to launch this project in anticipation of the wave of competition from companies like Samsung and Amazon, when they start selling cheaper devices.

AU Optronics holds the 4th spot in the LCD market and is expected to ship between 400,000 and 500,000 panels this September for the production of the dwarf iPad. LG Display will also ship about 600,000 panels. Apple is apparently expecting huge sales. The sources DigiTimes quotes also added that Cupertino has begun gathering supplies since this June.

Nevertheless, not all business is going well for AU Optronics as the US Department of Justice claims that the company should be fined as it was involved in illegal activity trying to fix LCD panels prices. The fine requested is $1 billion.

By Radu

Source: AU Optronics, LG Display to supply panels for Apple's smaller iPad: report | Reuters