Apple has been reportedly controlling iPad 2 panel inventories, which might affect iPad 2 panel shipments for suppliers including Samsung Electronics, LG Display and Chimei Innolux (CMI) in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to a “DigiTimes” report (http://www.digitimes.com), quoting unnamed “industry sources.”
Sales of iPads at the end market totaled 11.12 million units in the third quarter of 2011, according to data released by Apple. However, inventories of parts and components prepared by the makers in the supply chain for the production of iPad 2 in the quarter are sufficient for the production of 15-16 million iPads, leaving a stockpile of 4-5 million units of iPad 2 in the supply chain, notes “DigiTimes.”
Even as Apple adjusts panel inventory for the iPad 2, Samsung and Sharp began shipping panels for the iPad 3 in October, the article adds. Taiwan-based touch panel makers TPK Holding and Wintek will begin to ship touch panels for the new iPads to the supply chain this month or next, says “DigiTimes.”