Reuters: Sharp Cuts Screen Production as iPad Demand Drops
Reuters is reporting that Sharp has “nearly halted” production of its 9.7-inch iPad screens, as demand for Apple’s large tablet drops. According to “sources familiar with the matter” , screen production at Sharp’s Kameyama plant in central Japan has “fallen to the minimal level to keep the line running” following a gradual slow down since the end of 2012. However, it’s worth pointing out that the sources don’t make any direct reference to the cause of the slowdown—is it cannibalization by the iPad mini?
Reuters is reporting that Sharp has “nearly halted” production of its 9.7-inch iPad screens, as demand for Apple’s large tablet drops.
According to “sources familiar with the matter”, screen production at Sharp’s Kameyama plant in central Japan has “fallen to the minimal level to keep the line running” following a gradual slow down since the end of 2012. However, it’s worth pointing out that the sources don’t make any direct reference to the cause of the slowdown—is it cannibalization by the iPad mini? Seasonal variation? Imminent product changes?—so really Reuters is speculating wildly.
This morning also brought news that Google’s Nexus 7 is outstripping the iPad in terms of market share in Japan. While the news about Sharp’s display production could, possibly, signify a weakening of Apple’s position, it’s worth bearing in mind that currently the company still dominates the tablet market. It’s gonna take more than a slight lull in sales for that to change. [Reuters]
This Article was originally posted in Gizmodo
About the Author
Gizmodo Gizmodo is a technology weblog about consumer electronics. It is part of the Gawker Media network run by Nick Denton and is known for its up-to-date coverage of the technology industry, along with topics as broad as design, architecture, space, and science.
Related Posts
Norman Foster on Apple’s HQ: Over 1000 Bikes, Four-Story Glass Doors →
Apple Patents Emergency Alert That Calls the Cops When You Can’t →
Mother Bequeaths iPad to Sons But Apple Won’t Unlock It →
