iPad 5 to boost push for in-cell display technology, Apple leading the way

Digitimes, a publication known for its on-again off-again accuracy, has today published two reports suggesting that Apple’s 5th generation iPad is set to continue shifting the market toward in-cell display technology.

The report has it:

Displays with in-cell touch are expected to rise from 7.3% of mobile phone shipments in 2012 to 13.7% in 2013, while shipments of GG DITO (double-sided ITO glass) structure are expected to decline from 10.3% to 0.6%. For tablets, shipments of GF2 sensor structure are expected to rise from 4.7% in 2012 to 28.4% in 2013, while shipments of GG DITO structure decline from 37.2% to 8.1%.

Research director at DisplaySearch Calvin Hseih notes that, despite the fairly large number of touchscreen devices on the market, Apple has been the corporation most responsible for this shift. Apple has shifted from the GG type touch-sensor system (glass on glass) to others such as in-cell and GF2 (the inner layer of glass is replaced by an optical film). Hseih says that this has impacted the entire supply chain.

It wasn’t until the release of the iPhone 5 in September of 2012 that Apple switched from GG to in-cell technology with its mobile phone line, and the Cupertino corporation included GF2 touch-sensor system in the iPad mini and 4th generation retina iPad.

The second report out of Digitimes today reiterates previous rumors that Apple’s fifth gernation iPad will fall in line with that of the iPad mini and iPad 4 by featuring the same GF2 touch-sensor system. Such technology will supposedly be supplied by TPK and GIS and, as rumored in January, will allow the next generation iPad be thinner and lighter than its older siblings. This aligns with mockups and rumor seen previously that showcase a design thinner, lighter and with a smaller bezel similar to that of the iPad mini.

Categories: iPad 5