The imminent release of iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 is getting closer as some of the components are already ordered from suppliers of tech giant Apple.

According to a report on Korean IT news site ETNews, Apple has begun placing its components orders for the new iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 tablets, but has not been sending any of that business to Samsung's display division.

Previous devices in Apple's tablet and smartphone range have used screens from Samsung Display, along with others from Sharp and LG, but that is allegedly changing as Apple looks to cut its smartphone and tablet rival off and prevent it from profiting from the success of the iPad family.

The immediate conclusion for this act of the Cupertino-based company is that it is trying to cut ties with its rival. The iPhone maker has also been known to use Samsung's semiconductor fabrication arm to produce the chips used in its mobile devices. It remains unclear whether Apple will shift away from this process as well, but recent talks with Intel indicate that the iPhone maker could very well be ready to move on.

According to reports, iPad Mini 2 will feature a screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536. This is almost four times the resolution of the present iPad Mini and is equal to the fourth generation iPad which was released along with the iPad Mini last year. AU Optronics has been rumoured to be making displays for the iPad Mini 2.

Other specs include a more powerful dual core A7 processor and a 7.9 inch screen. It will also feature a 10-hour battery life, a FaceTime HD camera, and an iSight camera with 1080 pixels HD video recording. Apple is also trying to reduce the thickness of the iPad Mini 2 by using the Sharp's IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology in its screens.

However, the iPad 5 is rumoured to have no bezels, and the whole form factor has been made sleeker. Horowitz believes this design indicates that Apple will be calling on Sharp's IGZO screen technology. Sharp, however, according to Horowitz, has been struggling, and its ability to deliver components on time will play a key role in the release of the next iPad.