Component Suppliers Say Apple Has Ordered Parts for 10 Million 'iPad Minis' in 4Q 2012 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

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.

ipadmini3 small
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 (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

ipad mini 7 blue

OLED iPad Mini: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect

Thursday May 14, 2026 5:08 am PDT by
According to the latest rumors, Apple is close to launching its next-generation iPad mini. So what should we expect from the successor to the iPad mini 7 that Apple released over a year ago? Read on to find out. Processor and Performance Apple is working on a next-generation version of the iPad mini (codename J510/J511) that features the A19 Pro chip, according to information found in code...
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple Says CarPlay Ultra is Coming to These Vehicle Brands

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:53 am PDT by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra...
imac video apple feature

Apple Released Two New Accessories This Month

Friday May 22, 2026 12:24 pm PDT by
May has been a quiet stretch in terms of new Apple products, but the company did release two accessories on its online store this month. First up was a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. U.S. pricing is set at $49. The band is part of Apple's 2026 Pride Collection, which also includes a new Pride...

Top Rated Comments

sammich Avatar
178 months ago
You guys are getting heaps of usage out of those mockups, aren't you?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lordskelic Avatar
178 months ago
I am SO curious what the price of one of these bad boys will be.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
178 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
178 months ago
Maybe this is real afterall
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3N16MA Avatar
178 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)
178 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)