DigiTimes reports today that it believes that Apple has enlisted the services of two more touch panel makers, Chimei Innolux and Cando, to help with the production load for the forthcoming iPad 2. This brings the current number of touch screen suppliers that DigiTimes believes Apple is working with to five, with the others being Wintek, Sintek Photronics and TPK Touch Solutions. DigiTimes says that the reason for Apple taking on the extra hands is because it is expecting iPad 2 orders to exceed six million units a month, which is a jaw-dropping prediction, especially when you consider that the current iPad is “only” moving four million units per quarter. Clearly, if DigiTimes’ sources are on the money, Apple must believe that the iPad 2 has everything and more that the current version has, if it’s counting on it being an ever bigger hit with consumers.
Rumors have also been buzzing around for months about a 7-inch iPad, but DigiTimes says that the word from sources in Apple’s supply chain in Taiwan is that there have been no whispers at all about a 7-inch iPad, which once again bears up Steve Jobs’ recent assertion that Apple does not intend to release a 7-inch iPad.
Source: DigiTimes Apple reportedly adds new touch panel suppliers for iPad 2 via MacRumors Apple Expecting 6 Million iPad 2 Orders Per Month? - Mac Rumors