AUO of Taiwan Works On Next-generation iPad Mini Panels

Taipei, Nov. 22, 2012 (CENS)--AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), maker of thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels in Taiwan, reportedly is developing retina display panels with 497 ppi (pixels per inch) high-resolution for the next-generation iPad mini, according to Chinese-language economic daily newspaper Economic Daily News (EDN).

AUO refused to comment on specific client, product, and order. But some sources in the supply chain said that AUO's LCD module (LCM) factory, which is installed with equipment procured by Apple and supplies iPad mini panels to the customer, is developing the next-generation iPad mini panels, which are expected to be shipped in the second half of 2013.

The said sources added that next-generation iPad mini panel has 1,536x2,048 pixel resolution, four times that of the current iPad mini display. The new iPad now has a 9.7-inch display with 326 ppi, and when the display is downsized to 7.9-inch, the resolution upgrades to 497 ppi.

Industry sources pointed out that the next-generation iPad mini display requires the IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) production technology for achieving super high resolution, and the GOA (Gate IC on array) technology to narrow the screen frame by cutting the space for locating ICs on the screen edges.

Paul Peng, AUO's president, said previously that his company has introduced both the IGZO and GOA new technologies, which are expected to further upgrade profitability.

T.K. Wu, vice president and general manager of AUO's Mobile Solutions Business Group, said previously also that his company has won a first-class customer's order for tablet PC panels and will utilize his company's self-developed IGZO production technology to produce such product.

AUO has solved the light-leaking problems to upgrade yield rate in producing iPad mini panels, and has begun volume shipments in the fourth quarter.