Rumors of a 7.85” iPad “mini” have been floating about for quite a while now. While the rumors are indeed persistent, there has been nothing concrete (i.e. leaked components) that would suggest that such a device exists. Either way the folks at Digitimes are now reporting that the upcoming 7.85” iPad mini will be utilizing thin-film touch technology, which not only would result in a slightly thinner iPad, but could help shave some costs off the device as well which could allow Apple to sell it for a lower and more affordable price.
The smaller version of Apple’s new iPad, rumored to be called iPad Mini, is said to feature the G/F2 technology, with Nitto supplying the key thin-film materials, and Nissha Printing and TPK producing the touch screens, the sources said. Wintek, another touch module supplier for Apple, does not have thin-film touch capacity, the sources addded.
Using the G/F2 design will help reduce costs and will also make the iPad Mini thinner than previous iPad models since it will have one less layer of film than the G/F/F (glass/film/film) structure, according to sources. The G/F2 structure places the electrode on the top and bottome ends of the ITO film, which will then be laminated onto the cover glass.
Some of you guys might recall that such technology was speculated to make its way into the next-gen iPhone, but assuming Digitimes’ sources are to be believed, the rumored iPad mini could be utilizing the technology first. Either way given Digitimes’ track record when it comes to reporting Apple rumors, we suggest taking it with a grain of salt for now, at least until more concrete and substantial evidence of such a device has surfaced.
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