Is Apple Planning This Double Launch?

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is preparing to launch a new full-sized iPad with improved touchscreen technology, as well as a new MacBook Air with Retina display, according to news reports from Taiwan cited by AppleInsider.

The next-generation 9.7-inch iPad will get rid of the glass-on-glass design in favor of the GF2 display technology currently being used to manufacture the iPad mini, according to the report. The device will also be similar in design to the smaller tablet, with a thinner and lighter frame.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster had made similar predictions in a note to clients last week, adding that a launch event was likely before the end of April.

According to the Taiwanese news report, Apple was also currently in the process of finalizing suppliers for the new tablet. It said the iPhone maker may remove Wintek from its list of suppliers, while favoring Nitto Denko, TPK, and Japan Display. Assembly would likely be done by Apple’s main manufacturing partner, Foxconn…