Apple Recap: Debating iPad Displays, Page Takes Aim, China Rising

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) dipped under $500 again on Friday, but managed to end the day at exactly that mark after registering a 0.53 percent fall. What were the stories affecting the share price on the day?

Turn of the iPad Trouble?

A few days after reports of iPhone component cuts comes news that Apple’s display supplier Sharp has “nearly halted” production of 9.7-inch panels used to manufacture the full-size iPad. However, this is possibly with the idea of focusing on smaller screens for the iPad mini. Production of 9.7-inch LCD displays had “fallen to a minimal level” at Sharp’s Kameyama plant in Japan, with the gradual slowdown starting at the end of last year. Reuters sources did not say how much of the Sharp slowdown was due to seasonal changes in demand or just consumers opting for the smaller iPad mini. Concerns that the smaller iPad will cannibalize sales of Apple’s full-size tablet have existed from before the former was launched last November. The smaller, cheaper iPad mini is said to bring in lower margins for Apple than its older version, thus putting a drag on profits. (Read more)

Should you buy or sell Apple’s stock ahead of earnings in a few days? Our 20-page proprietary analysis will help you save time and make money. Click here to get your SPECIAL REPORT now.