The 5th generation iPad is expected to utilize new touchscreen technology that will make it thinner and lighter if industry sources are to be believed. We have known for some time now that the next-generation 9.7-inch iPad will see a reduced form factor and thinner bezels, but up until now we haven’t really known how Apple is going to do this.
One aspect that we were previously told would be changing would be the backlight system. According to DigiTimes Apple will also be introducing GF2 touchscreen technology.
Apple’s next-generation 9.7-inch iPad is expected to have 2,048 by 1,536 resolution and 264ppi, the same as that of the current model, according to industry sources. But the new device will have a slimmer bezel design and use GF2 touch screen technology, which will make it thinner and lighter.
This new touchscreen technology will be provided by TPK and GIS, while that actual Retina display panels will come from LG Display, Samsung Display and Sharp. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated in a recent report that the 5th generation iPad was on track to be released in September so we will have to wait and see if this indeed comes true.
DigiTimes also reported some more details on the iPad Mini 2:
Apple is reportedly still choosing whether to use oxide TFT or LTPS backplane technology in its next-generation iPad mini. The sources said that Sharp is looking to provide Apple with Oxide TFT technology while LG and Samsung are leaning towards LTPS, as the Korea-based companies believe using oxide TFT does not result in significantly less power consumption.
The report failed to mention whether or not that iPad Mini 2 was on track to being released this year or next as recent rumors have pointed to.
