Sharp slows Apple iPad screen production, report says
Demand for Apple tablets may be shifting from its full-sized iPad to the new iPad mini, a recent report suggests.
Reuters reports that Japanese electronics company Sharp has cut production on 9.7-inch screens for the iPad. Citing two sources with knowledge of Sharp's plans, the news agency says the production line at Sharp's Kameyama in Japan has declined to a "minimal level."
Sharp did not immediately respond to CBS News' request for comment, but told Reuters that the company does not "disclose production levels."
It's unclear why production has slowed down, however speculation persists that there is a shift in demand from the iPad to the iPad mini.
NPD DisplaySearch analyst David Hsieh recently wrote in a blog post that the iPad mini is selling better than the fourth-generation iPad. And that people appear to like its smaller, lighter body.
"In 2013, it is likely that Apple will adjust its product portfolio to meet the strong demand for the iPad mini," Hsieh wrote.
Apple's other suppliers had mixed reports of slowing production. According to Reuters, a source at Samsung Display said there has not been a noteworthy change in its business with Apple. However, a source at LG Display tells the news agency that production has dipped due to "weak seasonal demand."
A spokesperson for Apple declined to comment on the Reuters report.
