Bloomberg this morning reports that Apple’s iPad Mini will indeed feature a 7.85-inch display, and is still on track for an October launch, updating and affirming previous reports. The site also names the suppliers for the displays as AU Optronics and LG Display.
Apple Inc. (AAPL) will use screens from AU Optronics Corp. (2409) and LG Display Co. (034220) for a smaller version of the iPad to be released in October, according to four people familiar with the plans.
TPK Holding Co. (3673) and Yeh Cheng Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group, will supply the lamination coating for the device that will measure 7.85 inches diagonally, said the people, who declined to be identified because the plans haven’t been made public. Current iPads measure 9.7 inches.
While the report does not mention what resolution the displays might operate at, previous reports have claimed that it will feature a 1024 x 768 display. That makes the most sense as well, given that its the same as the iPad 2 resolution, and wouldn’t require developers to modify their apps.
The iPad mini is expected to be as thin as an iPod touch, and feature a narrow bezel, and is expected to be launched in October for between $200 and $300 (1, 2).