Sharp has long been rumored to be a runner up as a major display supplier for Apple and now new reports suggest that the company has successfully won the bid and has already been supplying screens for Apple iPhones. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the WSJ reveals that Sharp will be supplying Apple next-gen iPads with LCD screens that are manufactured at Sharp Kameyama No. 2 plant in central Japan.

The source also claims that the Apple is investing in Sharp Japanese manufacturing facilities. Although no investment figure was divulged, we have heard rumors from analysts previously that Apple planned to invest $1 billion. The move is part of Apple efforts to work with multiple component makers to ensure sufficient supply of parts for its iPhones and iPads.