By Katie Marsal
Published: 11:30 AM EST (08:30 AM PST)
Apple reportedly believes its anticipated second-generation iPad will be even more popular than the first model, as the company is expected to order production of 6 million per month.
If true, that number would be
significantly higher than the 4 million per quarter produced for the current iPad, according to
DigiTimes. Overseas sources indicated that Apple added two additional touch panel makers, Chimei Innolux and Cando, for production of the "iPad 2."
The two new suppliers are
in addition to current suppliers Wintek, Sintek Photronics, and TPK Touch Solutions. The expanded number of partners will reportedly allow Apple to produce even more iPads per month, reaching the 6 million target.
Sources indicated that suppliers will begin shipments to Apple in January or February. That's consistent with previous reports that the device would begin shipping
within 100 days to allow Apple to stock up for a launch by April.
Suppliers also indicated that Apple has no interest in producing a 7-inch iPad, smaller and lighter than the current 9.7-inch model. The news is noteworthy because it was
DigiTimes that
repeatedly reported for months that Apple was set to release a 7-inch iPad.
Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs poured water on those rumors
in October during his company's fourth-quarter conference call. He said that he believes competing products, like the 7-inch
Samsung Galaxy Tab, have chosen a smaller size to reduce costs rather than usability.
"When we make decisions on 7-inch tablets, it's not about cost," Jobs said. "It's about the value of the product when you factor in the software."
