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7-inch iPad mini to launch in Q3 2012, claims Samsung Securities

Apple looking to sell 100 million iPads in 2012

7-inch iPad mini to launch in Q3 2012, claims Samsung Securities
A leaked document from investment bank Samsung Securities claims Apple is preparing a new 7-inch 'iPad mini' for launch in Q3 2012.

The note, sent to OLED-Display.net by an anonymous user, predicts the release of a third generation iPad in Q1, with a smaller variant temporarily referred to as iPad mini following on two quarters later.

In all, it's suggested Apple is looking to sell "more than 100 million iPads in 2012" - a significant leap from the 32.4 million shipped during FY2011.

Screen screening

Analyst JungHoon Chang is cited in the note, claiming Sharp had been "trying to produce" IGZO (indium, gallium, zinc) LCD displays in time for the launch of iPad 3, but may well have missed the boat.

Future iPad models it's claimed, however, may well sport 'flexible panels' from the likes of Samsung, if the Korean giant can increase yields of its flexible AMOLED displays.

The news comes following Samsung's decision to spin-off its display business entirely, following concerns the competitive nature of its smartphone and tablet operations could result in it losing out on lucrative deals with its rivals.

The leaked report is available in PDF form on OLED-Display.net's website.

[source: Apple Insider]

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.