Apple iPad Mini and iMac to face shortages this quarter, report says

Shipments of Apple's iPad Mini and upcoming iMac computer could be limited until the first quarter of 2013, new rumors suggest.

If you’re planning on grabbing an iPad Mini or a brand new iMac this holiday season, get one while you can. According to a report from DigiTimes, Apple may ship less iPad Mini and iMac units than initially expected this quarter.

Companies manufacturing the 7-inch display panels for Apple’s iPad Mini have run into low yield rates, and plants producing the backlight modules for the device are experiencing a limited stock of supplies. Both of these factors will affect the number of iPad Mini tablets that will ship this year, DigiTimes reports. AU Optronics and LG Display are the two leading manufacturers responsible for producing the iPad Mini’s display, and AU Optronics is reportedly facing production issues. The percentage of its shipments has fallen to about 22 percent from its initial goal of 40 percent, sources have told the online publication.

Apple is said to have aimed for 10 million in iPad Mini shipments this quarter, but AU Optronics’ production issues could bump this number down to six million.

Production of the new 21.5-inch iMac has also faced some problems. Panel-maker LG has created a new process to mass produce these displays for Apple’s new desktop, but this different method is yielding a limited number of parts. This, in turn, is holding back shipments.

Apple’s refreshed 21.5-inch iMac will be available beginning Friday, while those looking to purchase the 27-inch version will have to wait until December. Shipments for both devices are expected to increase in early 2013 when suppliers start to see higher revenue and begin producing more components. This could prompt manufacturers to ramp up production and help Apple reach its goal for the first quarter of 2013.

While panel production may see an upswing next year, another crucial component may face supply constraints come 2013, as CNET reports. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacture Company could face impending pressure to step up the volume of its production now that Samsung is no longer the favorite chip supplier for Apple’s iPads and iPhones.

DigiTimes has not names its tipsters but simply refers to them as industry sources. Apple has yet to comment on the matter.