Apple lines up suppliers for iPad Mini display, report says

Apple has tapped two companies to produce the display for its iPad Mini, a new report claims.AU Optronics and LG Display will produce the iPad Mini's 7.85-inch screen, Bloomberg is reporting today, citing several sources. TPK Holding and Foxconn-owned Yeh Cheng Technology will handle lamination coating for the screen, according to the sources.Apple's current iPad comes with a 9.7-inch screen.The iPad Mini has reportedly been in the works for a while, though true to form, Apple has yet to confirm the existence of such a device. Still, the rumor mill has kicked it into overdrive, offering up all kinds of expected device details. The latest reports suggest that an iPad Mini will launch in October and cost $249.In an interview with CNET yesterday, IHS iSuppli analyst Rhoda Alexander said that if Apple prices its upcoming slate at $249, it'll "crush the opposition."But before Apple gets to launching its iPad Mini, the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 5. That device, which will reportedly come with a 4-inch screen and improved components, will be shown off on September 12 and launch on September 21, according to reports.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the Bloomberg report. We will update this story when we have more information.

Apple licenses Swiss rail clock design

Apple can breathe a little easier about one part of iOS 6. No, not the Maps app, but rather its use of a certain clock image owned by a Swiss rail provider. Related stories:Apple to meet Swiss railway over clock-design flapApple accused of ripping off famous Swiss clock designDevelopers: We warned Apple about iOS maps qualityThe Swiss Federal Railway service, or SBB, said today that it has reached a licensing agreement with Apple that allows the electronics giant to use its clock on devices like the iPad and iPhone.An SBB spokesperson tells CNET that the amount of the licensing fee and other agreement details will remain confidential. We've reached out to Apple and will update if we get a comment or any more information.Apple last month was accused of ripping off SBB's iconic clock for the latest iteration of its mobile operating system. The clock was created in 1944 by then-SBB employee Hans Hilfiker. It's used throughout the railway system and is also licensed to Mondaine, a Swiss watch maker.