Sony and Hitachi is reportedly shipping 4-inch LCD panels to Apple for an unspecified iOS device that is expected in 2012. Sony and Hitachi is also in the process of merging with Toshiba to become the world’s largest small-to-medium size LCD panel maker, called Japan Display.

4-inch Apple iOS device
Japanese news publication Macotakara.jp reports that Sony and Hitachi have begun shipping 4-inch LCD panels to Apple. Apple currently has no 4-inch iOS device but the new iPhone has been rumored to come with a new form factor and a larger screen size. The current iPhone uses a 3.5-inch LCD display.


The next iPhone could feature a larger display

Sony and Hitachi are producing small-to-medium size LCD panels at their factories in Japan. In spring 2012 Sony, Hitachi and Toshiba will merge their LCD businesses to create a joint venture company called Japan Display. The Japanese government’s investment fund has also invested in Japan Display.

Shipments of the 4-inch panels have begun but the 4-inch iOS device is not expected until 2012, according to Macotakara.jp.

Macotakara.jp also says that an “unspecified Taiwanese company” will provide LCD technology for a radically different iPad 4. AU Optronics is currently the largest Taiwanese display manufacturer but the name has yet to be confirmed.

Furthermore, Sharp is expected to produce screens for the iPhone 5 and iPad 3.

- Source: Macotakara.jp