BLU maker Radiant Opto-Electronics is expected to see its shipments of BLUs for Apple's iPads affected significantly in the second half of 2012 when LG Display and Sharp are likely to outpace Samsung Electronics in shipments of flat panels for iPads, according to industry sources.
Samsung was the largest vendor of flat panels for iPads in the first quarter of 2012, accounting for 97% of total panel shipments due to yield rate problems at LG Display and Sharp, indicated the sources.
Radiant shipped nearly all BLUs of the new iPads in the first quarter, since the company is the BLU partner for Samsung.
Thanks to improvements in yield rates, LGD and Sharp are expected to ramp up panel shipments for iPads in the second half, and the two vendors are likely to source BLUs from makers other than Radiant.
LGD is expected to purchase BLUs from Korea-based Heesung Electronics, Sharp is likely to source the parts from its subsidiary Minebea, while Samsung may also switch BLU orders to Towa, the sources indicated.
In addition, LGD and AU Optronics (AUO) are likely to be the flat panel vendors for the much speculated iPad mini, which is expected to be launched in June, and AUO is expected to source BLUs from its subsidiary Forhouse, revealed the sources.
Facing increasing competition, Radiant is expected to see its share in the global BLU market decline to 62% in 2012, down from 77% in 2011, Credit Suisse has estimated.
Article translated by Steve Shen
