Apple shifting iPad screens from Samsung to Sharp & LG

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Last week, Sharp confirmed that they will start producing display panels for the new iPhone but Sharp will have an even bigger role it seems. It is now reported that Apple is shifting iPad screen production from Samsung to Sharp and LG.

iPad displays from Sharp

Apple has bought billions of dollars’ worth of components from Samsung over the years but the legal disputes between the two giants seem to be cooling their relationship. First, it was reported that Samsung is not in the mix for producing screen for the new iPhone and now it is reported that Apple is also shifting iPad display production away from Samsung.

Sharp will produce display panels for the iPad, sources say

Instead, Sharp and LG will do the heavy lifting. LG has been a partner for years and have traditionally had an even bigger role than Samsung. Sharp is a relatively new partner and just last year Sharp was identified as an Apple supplier.

The report does not disclose if it applies to both current and future iPad devices or only future devices. Apple is said to be launching a smaller iPad Mini and an updated New iPad later this year. Apple is also in the process of shifting LCD production from amorphous silicon-based TFTs to oxide TFTs. Oxide TFTs allow LCD panels to become faster, utilize higher pixel resolution and consume less power. Sharp’s IGZO-based LCD and OLED displays utilize oxide transistors.

- Source: DigiTimes