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Hitachi and Sony are reportedly working together to supply Apple with 4-inch LCD displays for an unspecified iOS device that is expected to be launched in 2012. Apple is said to be working on a fundamentally new display technology for the iPad 4. Some sources claim that Hitachi Displays, Ltd. and Sony Mobile Display Corporation have already begun supplying Apple with 4-inch LCD panels for unknown iOS device.  Moreover, in 2012 spring the two companies will merge with Toshiba Mobile Display Co., Ltd. to form "Japan Display."

Earlier this week, we reported that Apple chose Sharp as a manufacture of panels for the iPad 3. The company even invested in a Sharp’s factory to ensure that Sharp will be able to satisfy Apple’s display needs and support Sharp's production capacity for IGZO (indium, gallium, zinc) LCD panels for the next iPhone and iPad.

"The IGZO technology is perfect in that it offers near-OLED power consumption while having a lower cost and thinness that is only 25% greater than OLED, based on our checks," said Jeffries analyst Peter Misek.