Bloomberg Confirms 7.85-Inch iPad Mini With Display From AU Optronics, LG

Bloomberg has confirmed with four sources that a smaller version of the iPad will be released in October with a display made by AU Optronics or LG.

TPK Holding and Yeh Cheng Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, will supply the lamination coating for the device that will measure 7.85 inches diagonally, said the people, who declined to be identified because the plans haven't been made public. Current iPads measure 9.7 inches.

Offering a smaller tablet may help Apple hold onto share of a market it dominates in the face of new devices from Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft Corp. The orders will mark the first time AUO, a maker of panels for Apple's MacBooks and Sony Corp. TVs, is supplying screens for Apple handheld devices.


Sharp may make displays for the device eventually; however, it won't be an initial supplier, said their sources.

Apple is said to be releasing a smaller tablet to compete with those from Amazon and Google.

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