Sharp has apparently cut the number of iPad screens it's making with the main theory being that the success of the iPad Mini has resulted in Apple requiring less normal iPads.

Industry sources close to the production of the displays spoke to Reuters revealing that Sharp had lowered output to the absolute minimum level however were unable to specify numbers.

Reuters does go on to point out however that Macquarie Research has estimated iPad shipments will fall from 13 million to just 8 million this quarter thanks to a drop off in demand and strong sales of the iPad Mini.

Apple unveiled their mini tablet just a few months ago offering up a smaller alternative to the larger 9.7-inch tablet. There were initially criticisms of the iPad Mini's low screen resolution of 1024x768 which has been trumped by both the cheaper Nexus 7 and Amazon Kindle Fire HD.

That said, strong build quality and access to Apple's App Store has seen sales of the mini iPad increase over the Christmas period with rumours that Apple will be releasing a Retina display version of the tablet in just a few months.

Source: Reuters