Samsung Electronics, LG Display and Sharp reportedly shipped a total of one million units of high-resolution flat panels for next-generation iPads to Apple in October and will ramp up shipments to two million units in November, according to industry sources.

With the specifications of touch modules for the new iPad are comparable to those set for iPad 2, touch module makers TPK Holding and Wintek are expected to begin shipping their products to Apple in Mid-November to December, the sources indicated, adding that combined shipments from the two companies will top over one million units a month.

Judging from the shipments of panels and related parts, Apple's contract maker Foxconn Electronics is expected to start assembling the new iPads in January 2012, said the sources.

Meanwhile, Apple is also reportedly developing a new panel in 7.85-inch size, and AU Optronics (AUO) and LG Display have already delivered samples to Apple for verification. But it remains to be seen if Apple will expand the members for its next-generation iPad, commented the sources.