Component Suppliers Say Apple Has Ordered Parts for 10 Million 'iPad Minis' in 4Q 2012

While some sources have indicated that production challenges with components for Apple's forthcoming "iPad mini" will limit launch supplies of the device, The Wall Street Journal now reports that many component suppliers are moving ahead to meet Apple's plans to build more than 10 million units of the device during the fourth quarter.

Some component suppliers to Apple in Asia say they have received orders to make more than 10 million units of the smaller tablets in the fourth quarter. That is roughly double the order that were placed for Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablets in the same quarter, these suppliers say.

The figure indicates that Apple believes demand for the product will be strong, despite stiff competition in the market.

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Mockup of 7.85-inch "iPad mini" (courtesy of CiccareseDesign)

Just last week, the publication reported that mass production of the iPad mini had begun ahead of an introduction said to be coming at a media event sometime this month. One recent rumor has claimed that invitations for the media event will be going out this Wednesday, with the event presumably following approximately one week later.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad

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Top Rated Comments

sammich Avatar
160 months ago
You guys are getting heaps of usage out of those mockups, aren't you?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lordskelic Avatar
160 months ago
I am SO curious what the price of one of these bad boys will be.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
samcraig Avatar
160 months ago
Price will be everything.

If not priced competitively - even if a better device, they won't sell as "hot" as a full sized iPad.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Technarchy Avatar
160 months ago
Maybe this is real afterall
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3N16MA Avatar
160 months ago
1. iPad mini rumors

2. Some MR members claim "it will never happen."

3. More and more evidence builds that it will.

4. Same people say "it will never happen."

5. Apple sends out invite for keynote.

6. Apple unveils new smaller iPad.

7. People who said it will never happen now say "Apple is doomed."

8. iPad mini sells million in the first week and is a success.

9. Those same people keep quiet.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
World Citizen Avatar
160 months ago
No no no


This will be the remote for the AppleTV (40" screen including Apple iOS)

- Browse content while watching TV
- type on fullsize keyboard instead of crappy remote
- SecondScreen for TV program makers
- Browse content on you mac and play on TV
- Live debate and chat about current TV content
- Itunes DJ type of content playlist


This would be THE solution for browsing content and inserting TEXT and so on...

PLEAS MAKE THIS!!!!!
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)