Today’s scuttlebutt has the next-generation iPad (version 3) getting a QXGA (Retina display) that will pump out a resolution of 2048×1563. Analyst Richard Shim has revealed that Apple has sourced three part suppliers for the display: Samsung, Sharp, and LGD.
Richard Shim, analyst for DisplaySearch, talking to CNET:
It’s happening–QXGA, 2048×1536. Panel production has started [for the next-generation iPad] … I would imagine there would be concerns about [adequate] supply given the resolution of the display but you’ve got three different suppliers at this point. They should have enough to launch the product … We could start seeing finished devices produced in December. And then being ready to be shipped in January. With volumes gearing up in February and March
It was only a matter of time before we began hearing rumors about the iPad 3 and a Retina display again. We heard about them for the iPad 2, and it never came to fruition. Production of the iPad 3 should be ramping up right about now if Apple is looking to stay on their traditional schedule of an early spring release. The original iPad shipped in April, and the iPad 2 shipped in March of this year. We shouldn’t be surprised if the iPad 3 was released during that time frame as well in 2012.
I’m not sold on a Retina display, however. Does the iPad 2’s display look terrible to anyone else? I mean, outside of putting the display six-inches from your face, would the increase in quality be all that noticeable from your lap? That’s the question that needs answering. We should also keep in mind that Apple’s iPhone cycle has seen drastic new redesigns with every third model, which could be something that plays out with the iPad 3.
It’ll be interesting to see where the rumors take us between now and an iPad 3 release.
Source: CNET
