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 (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Reportedly Plans to Unveil at Least Five New Products Next Week

Sunday February 22, 2026 9:48 am PST by
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple will have a three-day stretch of product announcements from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4. In total, he expects Apple to introduce "at least five products." Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. A week ago, Apple invited selected journalists and content creators to an "Apple Experience" in...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3.1 Update for iPhones Coming Soon as 'Apple Experience' Nears

Sunday February 22, 2026 5:29 pm PST by
Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.3.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. iOS 26.3.1 should be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, and it will likely be released within the next two weeks. Last month, Apple released iOS 26.2.1 with bug fixes and support for the second-generation...
iPhone 18 Pro Deep Red Feature

Apple is Testing These iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable iPhone Colors

Sunday February 22, 2026 8:41 am PST by
The special new color that Apple is considering for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max this year is red, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Specifically, he said that Apple is testing a "deep red" finish for the two devices. If this rumor materializes, it would be the first time that the Pro and Pro Max models ever come in red, and the iPhone 18 Pro models would be the first...

Top Rated Comments

sammich Avatar
175 months ago
You guys are getting heaps of usage out of those mockups, aren't you?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lordskelic Avatar
175 months ago
I am SO curious what the price of one of these bad boys will be.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
175 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
175 months ago
Maybe this is real afterall
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3N16MA Avatar
175 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)
175 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)