Apple's ramp-up to its next-gen iPad is the industry's worst kept secret, even if the company has kept mum on when consumers should expect it. New talk about the company's market-leading media tablet line has revealed the upcoming model will receive the bulk of HD panel shipments this year.
DigiTimes claimed orders for the 9.7-inch, 2048x1536 QXGA model panels selected by Apple for the new iPad's high-resolution display began late last year and will surpass total orders for the XGA model iPad 2 by this summer. Until then, 6-7 million QXGA panels will be delivered over 2012's opening three months.
The Cupertino company simultaneously slashed iPad 2 panel orders from 16 million to 10 million over the last 6 months of 2011, added the site. That figure will drop further, stooping as low as 7 million this quarter.
Last month, it was rumored that Apple would pull back general orders for the iPad 2, potentially looking to retool the successful device and compete more directly with the Kindle Fire. Amazon's entry-level tablet saw big sales over the holiday season thanks in large part to its mainstream-friendly $199 price tag.
One analysis speculated the device took between 1 and 2 million sales out of Apple's column. Though more full-featured, the iPad 2 costs considerably more at $499 for a base model. (via DigiTimes)
