Lending credence to earlier reports of an iPad 3 or an iPad 2 Plus releasing this fall, DigiTimes reports that Apple is looking for a new manufacturer to ramp up supply of its tablet. This manufacturer will join Foxconn – Apple’s current and exclusive iPad manufacturer. Possible contenders are Quanta Computer and Petagron Technology. Since Petragon has already received orders for 15 million iPhone 5 units, chances of it being chosen by Apple are quite high.
The reason behind Apple’s move is the Foxconn Chengdu explosion that occurred a month back leading to the death of 3 people, 15 casualties, and disruption of operations for a while. Apple was set back by 500,000 iPad 2 units because of this. By having two product manufacturers, Apple is insuring itself against future production risk. Besides, Apple is also talking about huge iPad 2 shipments in the following quarters. It obviously wants to bolster its backend.
Then there’s also the rumored iPad 2 Plus or iPad 2 HD as it is being dubbed by some. Since this tablet is supposed to be the same iPad 2 with doubled up screen resolution, Apple’s move could work to set things in motion by fall. The iPad 2 Plus with 2048x1536p “Retina display” will target professionals in the video and photography field. Some manufacturers are even claiming that Apple has already been approached for quotes for this product.
Wow. Hopefully, September will herald some confirmed news from Apple.
[via Cult of Mac]
