Apple is planning to release a 7-inch “iPad 2” before Christmas. Reports suggest that a number of Taiwanese companies have won a few component contracts for the device, while a Taiwanese newspaper has reported that Taiwanese companies were already starting to assemble it. Adding fuel to the fire is the discovery of a block of code buried deep within iOS4 that apparently queries whether the device is either a CDMA iPhone or iPad 2.
The report also says that among the Taiwanese companies to win component contracts is Chimei Innolux, which will supply 7-inch LCD displays with the same IPS (in-plane switching) technology found in the original 9.7-inch iPad, and Cando Corporation, which will supply the touchscreen technology. Compal Electronics, a Taiwanese company that handles the production of laptops for a variety of companies including Dell, Toshiba, HP and Compaq, has apparently been chosen to assemble the device.
Additionally, rumors are floating around that a block of code in iOS4 will supposedly query the device, and if it is a CDMA iPhone or iPad 2, the device will auto-activate, bypassing the need for iTunes. This is apparently to allow products to be field tested by carriers or partners without having to activate the devices.
These rumors have not been confirmed, however, if they’re accurate, the release of a smaller and presumably cheaper iPad might appeal to the masses.
