Current parts order estimates out of Taiwan indicate Apple is on track to build some 65 million iPads in 2011. The projection is based on supply channel data from unnamed sources, according to DigiTimes, and is substantially higher than market estimates between 45 and 48 million iPads for next year.
Apparently LG Display will build about 35 million iPad touch panels for Apple during 2011, and both Samsung and Chimei Innolux will receive orders for 15 million panels.
Apple’s iPad is a multimedia tablet device with a 9.7-inch multitouch display. It runs iOS, just like the iPhone and iPod touch, includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, and has reshaped the tablet computer market dramatically since it was released in April 2010.
Parts suppliers aren’t confirming whether or not Apple has ordered iPad displays, and Apple doesn’t comment on rumors and speculation. For now, the DigiTimes report should be treated as just another rumor, although it does help underscore the continued popularity of the iPad.