Next Generation iPad: Apple Expected to Bring Thinner, Lighter iPad to Market?

Next Generation iPad: According to a new report, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is expected to bring a thinner, lighter 9.7-inch iPad to the market in 2013. At this time, the Cupertino-based company has yet to release any official information, however, the rumor is beginning to make its way around the internet.

DigiTimes is reporting the following:

“Apple’s next generation 9.7-inch iPad will reportedly use the same G/F2 (DITO) thin-film type touch screen structure as the company’s iPad mini in order to make the device thinner and lighter, according to industry sources.”

This would be a big time upgrade for the full-size Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad. After all, consumers are always looking for thinner and lighter when it comes to tablets and smartphones.

Like many, you may not fully understand the technology being used by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) in its current tablet lineup. The same DigiTimes piece explains the difference between the current tablet and what the future model may offer:

“Apple’s current 9.7-inch iPad models use a G/G touch screen structure. The sources said Apple’s move to use DITO technology shows the company is looking to bump up its competition in the tablet segment and that it has more adequate supply to the technology compared to one-glass-solution (OGS) technology.”

With these potential changes in store, you may be wondering which companies will be in charge of the manufacturing of the components. The supply chain is expected to be similar to that of the iPad mini with Nitto being tabbed to “supply thin-film materials and Nissha Printing touch screen modules.”

The source for the information in the article also supplied an update pertaining to the number of units the suppliers can handle: