Release of IPad Mini Expected in Third or Fourth Quarter

iPad mini may be available in the market by the third or the fourth quarter of the year following reports that indicated that a number of LCD panel suppliers were already identified by Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL). Reports coming from a news outlet based in Taiwan have hinted at the possible launch of the iPad mini by the second half of 2012 following the identification of the LCD panel suppliers by the company.In addition to supposed market rumors, the reports have also cited a report from a securities company in Japan as giving the possible release of the iPad mini in the later part of the third quarter. Around six million iPad mini units are expected to be initially released by the company.

The report also indicated that AU Optronics (TPE:2409) and LG (NYSE:LPL) have passed the certification tests of Apple in providing the LCD panels for the iPad mini. The two companies have reportedly worked on delivering the panels that will be used on the smaller version of the iPad.

TPK Holdings will reportedly produced four million units of backlight modules while two million units will be provided by Chimei Innolux (TPE:3481). The touch film sensor of the iPad mini will reportedly be manufactured by Nissha Printing.

The supply chain of Apple has reportedly provided the evidence of the supposed iPad mini according to Ben Reitzes, an analyst from Barclays. Reports have also indicated that the upcoming device will feature an internal storage of 8GB and will have a price tag of around $200 although some reports have hinted at a price ranging from $249 to $299.

The release of the Amazon Kindle Fire gave the iPad some competition in the tablet market giving Android-powered tablets a boost in the tablet market. The reported iPad mini is expected to allow Apple to go up against smaller-sized Android tablets that are currently being offered in the market.