Apple cuts orders for 10in iPad screens

Apple has reportedly cut orders for display components, the second such move in a matter displays, fuelling speculation that sales of its iPads and iPhones might be lower than it anticipated.

According to Reuters, Apple canceled a number of its orders for display hardware to be used in the iPad. The report cites industry sources who claim that manufacturing partner Sharp has "nearly halted" production of the 9.7in tablets.

The report comes just days after another manufacturer is said to have slashed its own plans to produce display hardware for the iPhone.

While the reports could indicate slowing demand, Apple has yet to show any signs of letting up in the mobile market.

User demand within the iOS ecosystem itself remains strong. Apple recently announced that total iOS App downloads have passed the 40 billion mark.

Apple has, however, seen its tablet dominance challenged by both a new class of Android tablets and the emergence of Microsoft's Surface Windows tablet line.

One possible culprit for the cuts could be the recently-released iPad Mini. Analysts have suggested that the small-screen tablet could be cannibalising sales by luring away users who would have previously been forced to settle for either an iPhone or the full-sized iPad.

Apple, which is said to pull in a tidy profit margin on all three devices, will likely not lose much sleep over the sales shift.

It is due to post financial results for the critical Christmas period in a matter of days.