Over the weekend, speculation came out of Japan that production of 9.7-inch screens for Apple’s iPad has practically stopped entirely.
Sources say that the reduction comes amidst rapidly evolving consumer demands. Specifically, demand for Apple’s smaller iPad mini is growing and that may be reducing previously sustained levels of market demand for the traditional-sized iPad.
Reuters noted late Friday that Sharp’s iPad screen production line in central Japan “has fallen to the minimal level to keep the line running this month.”
As of press time, a spokesperson for Sharp would not speak on the record about production output, saying only that “We don’t disclose production levels.” Apple isn’t commenting either.
On Wednesday, however, when Apple reports holiday quarter earnings, we may gain some valuable insight into iPad mini sales and how – if at all – they may be impacting sales of the larger model.
