Two anonymous sources have confirmed Apple’s deal with Foxconn Technology Group affiliate Chimei Innolux Corp. as its third supplier of sensors for the iPad 2′s touchscreen. Chimei Innolux Corp. will start supplying the components in May, adding to the produce of Apple’s existing key suppliers – Taiwan’s TPK Holding Corp. and Wintek Corp.
Apple is having a great year with orders for the iPad 2 showing no signs of stopping. 2011 just might be the year of the iPad 2. The tab is selling at Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Verizon, AT&T, Toys ‘R’ Us, and Radio Shack apart from the Apple Store in the US and stocks are almost gone. Shipping times have gone down from a month to 2-3 weeks but I’m sure we’d all love to see that go down further. iPad 2 shipments across the globe are also on hold because of supply shortage.
It is good strategy for Apple to bring in another supplier to meet the demand for its highly popular second gen tablet. The order should go some way in strengthening Apple’s ties with billionaire tycoon Terry Gou’s Foxconn, the Taiwanese assembler of the iPad and iPhone.
Apple and its three suppliers have refused to comment on this deal. The info is not public yet. Chimei Innolux spokesman Eddie Chen merely said that the manufacturer continues to develop its touchscreen product line and expects to offer it to major customers, declining to comment on specific clients.
According to Gartner Inc., the iPad, the fastest-selling technology product in history as measured by revenue, will continue to dominate the global market for tablet computers, controlling more than three-fifths of the market next year.
If you’re still waiting for your iPad 2, Apple’s move might just get it to you a little sooner.
[via Bloomberg]
[Image: iFixit]
