Latest iPad could use new LED backlighting system to cut weight

Adding to the bevy of rumors surrounding a next-generation iPad launch, a report on Thursday says Apple will probably use a modified LED backlight apparatus in a bid to make the 9.7-inch pill as skinny and lightweight as possible.
NPD DisplaySearch informed CNET that it expects Apple's fifth-generation iPad to sport a more efficient LED array, in addition to a change to film-primarily based touch sensor know-how, as the corporate slims down its largest pill offering.

"It is probably that a part of the thinner/lighter design shall be decreasing the scale of the LED backlight, partly by making the show more environment friendly and partly by using extra environment friendly LEDs," mentioned analyst Paul Semenza.

Apple is widely expected to launch a redesigned 9.7-inch iPad with an aesthetic borrowed from the current iPad mini. Such a design was revealed in a picture of a purportedly leaked next-gen iPad cover glass, which had thinner bezels and considerably modified dimensions compared with existing models.

Turning to show expertise, Semenza said it is too quickly to tell if the subsequent-gen iPad will make the swap to more efficient IGZO panels. Rumors courting way back to 2011 have Apple getting ready to transition to the LCD tech, although such displays have but for use within the firm's product lineups. Most just lately, business chatter has pointed to the inclusion of IGZO on this 12 months's iPhone and iPad models, with the panels coming from Apple companion supplier Sharp.

Lastly, Semenza said a third-quarter debut is most probably for the upcoming iPad. Prediction relating to the iPad's launch timeline have been extremely assorted, nonetheless, with some analysts claiming an October launch, whereas different sources say the tablet could be unveiled this month.