Last week, it was reported, that Apple had been toying with the idea of releasing revamped version of their iPad, but the rumor was later squashed as problems arose concerning the Retina Display. Digitimes reports:
“The sources believe that the yield rate of the 9.7-inch panel that feature resolution of 2,048 by 1,536 may be the major reason of the supply delay since such panels are mainly supplied by Japan-based Sharp with a high price and Apple’s other supply partners Samsung Electronics and LG Display are both unable to reach a good yield. Since Apple is unable to control a certain level of supply volume, the iPad 3 is unlikely to be mass produced as scheduled“.
The rumored plan was to produce 1.5-2 million units during Q3 and 5-6 million in Q4 of the iPad 3.
Yesterday we reported Apple was currently testing an iPhone featuring 4G LTE, but it looked unlikely the iPhone 5 would feature the technology due to Apple unwilling to make design modifications. With that in mind, Apple would have to make some tweaks to their iPad design to include a Retina Display, and they’re not going to do that. DT states “iPad 3’s requirements over the physical thinness, rich color support and toughness will all conflict with the panel’s technology restrictions; therefore, this could cause a delay in the launch“.
It now appears that the iPad 3 is back on track for Apple’s release cycle, coming out sometime in Spring of 2012.