Rumors of Revamped, Camera-Toting iPad as Apple Suppliers Gear Up for 2011 Deliveries

Hong Kong. Component suppliers for Apple’s iPad are gearing up for a new round of production in the first quarter, sources said on Friday, with one saying the product will be a revamp of the tablet computer, including front- and back-mounted cameras. 

The iPad took the world by storm after its debut in January, winning over millions of fans and providing a much-needed boost for a global technology sector still struggling with patchy demand. 

Touchscreen chip designer Wintek, battery maker Simplo Technology and AVY Precision, an unlisted maker of covers for electronics, are among suppliers for the next batch of iPads, four sources familiar with the situation said. 

Two confirmed they were ramping up for a new round of production next year for components previously supplied for the original iPad. Two said the ramp-up was for a new iPad. 

One of those said the revamped model would feature cameras on the front and rear, while the other said the new model would be slimmer, lighter and have a better resolution. 

Camera module makers Genius Electronic Optical and Largan Precision were also starting new supply deals with Apple, two sources said, but neither could confirm for which product the modules were intended. 

“Investing in Apple-related shares is going to be a major theme for most of next year,” said Bevan Yeh, a fund manager at Prudential Securities. “Apple is still the main driver on most technology products, and this will help push the earnings of its suppliers even more in 2011.” 

The iPad is expected to make up for about 70 percent of the 60 million tablet PCs that will be shipped next year, according to brokerage SinoPac Securities. 

The introduction of a revamped iPad in the first half of 2011 would also be in line with the company’s previous practice, with small changes made to its products about once every year. 

The original iPad was launched on Jan. 27 this year. 

“It makes sense for these suppliers to begin delivering their goods in February,” said Steven Tseng, an analyst at RBS in Taipei. “I think [Apple chief executive] Steve Jobs will announce the new product in January, and we should see the new product hitting shops in about April.” 

Apple is expected to ship 12.9 million iPads this year, with shipments rising to 36.5 million in 2011, research firm iSuppli said in July, reflecting an 84 percent share of the tablet PC market. 

 
Reuters