Apple will reportedly release an upgraded 9.7-inch iPad later the summer, equipped with an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) panel display. The report appeared today in Chinese-language Apple Daily newspaper and cites "sources from market watchers."

Sharp has invested in the indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) panel technology and its panel prototypes produce pixel speeds 20 to 30 times faster than amorphous silicon for quicker refresh rates. Moreover, IGZO displays have higher energy levels and are more efficient because of the downsized transistors and increased light transmittance for each pixel. The Japanese company has already showcased 10-inch IGZO LCD panels (2560 x 1600, 300ppi) for notebooks and 7-inch (1280 x 800, 217ppi) panels for tablets.

Despite the highly doubtful nature of the paper's claims based on the fact that the current iPad is only a few months old, IGZO dispay technology could allow for the development of an even thinner iPad design with a longer battery life.

Currently, 60-70% of current iPad panels are supplied by Samsung, with the rest shared by LG Display and Sharp. Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) has recently made investments in Sharp, meaning that Sharp is expected to see its proportion rise to 50% for the upgraded iPad, the paper added.

Apple has not commented on the report.