Chi Mei Joins iPad 2 Touchpad Supply Camp

According to industry sources, with the continuous expansion of the tablet market, Apple has included Taiwan’s Chi Mei and Da Hong in the touch panel component supply camp for the iPad 2 of the next-generation tablet.

Apple's current touchpad suppliers include Wintech, Hexin Optoelectronics, and Hi-Tech. Although the iPad currently has 4 million orders for the quarter, its future orders for the next-generation tablet iPad 2 will reach 6 million units in a single month, so Apple decided to expand its lineup of touchpad suppliers.

Although there are still rumors that Apple may launch a 7-inch version of the iPad 2 and new models of the iPhone, news from the Apple Taiwan component suppliers said they have not received any orders for 7-inch touchpads.

In addition to adding Apple's supply, the sources stated that Chi Mei and Da Hong have received orders for touch panels from other manufacturers and will start shipping in January or February of this year.