Leaks show iPad mini parts, name AU as screen builder
updated 12:59 pm EDT, Tue October 2, 2012
Parts use 16:9 display ratio
A Ukrainian website says it has obtained parts for Apple's upcoming 8-inch iPad, often known as the iPad mini. The parts are said to have come from a source who visited a factory in Asia. Some notable aspects include plastic spacers to allow 3G/4G signals, a bottom-mounted headphone jack, and a nano-SIM tray which allegedly broke off in disassembling the hardware.
Possibly casting doubt on the parts' authenticity is a what appears to be a 16:9 aspect ratio. The current 10-inch iPad uses a 4:3 ratio, something that has normally been expected to carry over to the Mini. The iPhone recently switched to a longer ratio however, and Apple might be interested in carrying over the design philosophy.
Separately, DigiTimes cites anonymous Taiwanese sources as saying that AU Optronics has landed a contract to build displays for the new tablet. The truth of current claims could be discovered as soon as mid-month, since Apple is rumored to be sending out event invitations on October 10th. An actual product launch would probably take place by early November.
