Thin-film touch panel suppliers for Apple are expected to see a large increase in orders from the company in the third quarter of 2013 in preparation for the release of Apple's next-generation iPad, according to industry sources.

The new model is expected to use the same thin-film DITO (G/F2) touch panel structure as Apple's current iPad mini, which would mean that Taiwan-based thin-film supplier TPK would be among one of the main suppliers of the technology, as it has been for the iPad mini.

However, Apple recently adjusted shipment estimates for its iPad and iPad mini products in 2013 to 33 million and 55 million, respectively, said the sources. Originally Apple had predicted shipments for its 9.7-inch iPads to reach approximately 60 million units and the iPad mini 40 million units. Not only has Apple dropped its overall expected shipments for the two devices, but it also expects the iPad mini to sell substantially better during the year, which would be less thin-film type material area shipped per a Apple device for TPK, added the sources.

Meanwhile, Samsung Display is reportedly trying to snatch back panel orders from Apple by offering the company reduced panel prices for the iPad mini after losing out on shipments in 2012 as a result of disputes between Samsung Electronics and Apple.