Apple Inc. (AAPL): iPad Mini Boost?

The current generation Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is making its rounds (see how here), and many are beginning to turn one eye towards the future. Consumers and investors alike are getting excited about what the next current mini tablet from Cupertino will have to offer. While there has not been a lot of information released by the company as of yet, there are always rumors floating around that get people excited.

According to a recent report by Digitimes, Apple iPad mini may be getting a huge production boost. Here is why:

“Apple has visited factories of Taiwan-based ODM Wistron and has qualified Wistron for OEM production of iPad mini, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

Since Apple has released iPad mini orders to Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) and Pegatron in 2013, Wistron may begin production in 2014 or 2015 at the earliest, the sources said.”

If true, this relationship is not going to get underway for another year or so. That being said, this is good news for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) as the company is always looking for ways to strengthen its supply chain. On top of this, it gives Wistron the ability to take its business to the next level.

Over the past few years, it has not been a big surprise that Apple is willing to adjust its supply chain on a regular basis. The company is always looking to make changes that can improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Here is more from the article, explaining how Wistron was able to catch Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s eye:

“In order to enter Apple’s supply chain, Wistron has set up dedicated production lines to meet Apple’s strict requirements, the sources said. Since Wistron manufactures notebooks, tablets and smartphones, its qualification for iPad mini production will give it a chance of obtaining orders for MacBook, iPad and iPhone in the future.”

This was a natural choice for Apple, being that Wistron has many years of experience with similar manufacturing processes. As noted by the article, don’t be surprised if this leads to a deeper relationship between the two companies in the years to come.

It will be interesting to see what this does for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad mini production when Wistron is finally brought into the fold. Only time will tell if this relationship benefits both companies.