iPad 5 Likely to Use New, Lighter and Thinner Technology (AAPL)

Apple's AAPL long-awaited iPad upgrade is expected to be one of the lightest and thinnest tablets of its kind. According to DigiTimes, the fifth-generation iPad will use GF2 touch screen technology, which will allow Apple to build a lighter and thinner tablet. TPK and GIS will reportedly supply the GF2 technology to Apple. Sharp SHCAY, LG Display LPL and Samsung Display SSNLF are expected to build the Retina Display for the new device. Related: Apple to Develop 65-Inch Ultra HD Television Sharp and LG Display are also expected to provide the panels for Apple's mysterious television project. Apple is reportedly undecided on whether it should use Oxide TFT (thin-film-transistor) or LTPS (low-temperature polycrystalline silicon) technology within the display of the second-generation iPad Mini. Sharp is expected to use Oxide TFT because it is believed to consume less power. LG and Samsung are planning to use LTPS because they do not think that Oxide TFTs will allow for a significant decline in power consumption. The DigiTimes report also stated that LG has not finalized its pricing agreement with Apple for Oxide TFTs, and that Samsung "does not have a significant amount of capacity for Oxide TFT." This could be another reason why the two companies are leaning toward LTPS. Interestingly, it seems that sales -- not price -- may be a greater factor in whether or not a Retina Display is added to the iPad Mini. Apple is reportedly afraid that if it brings the Retina Display to the smaller tablet, it will make consumers less interested in the full-size model. Research (and quarterly sales figures) prove that consumers are already willing to leave behind the expensive 9.7-inch iPad for its cheaper little brother. By giving them one more reason to buy the Mini, full-size iPad customers could vanish. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ