The release of Apple’s iPad 3 has reportedly been delayed until 2012 due to a shortage of high-resolution Retina displays. A third-generation device with a much improved display was rumored to launch later this year, but as many of us had predicted a long time ago, that’s not going to happen.
According to a DigiTimes report, which cites sources from “panel players,” Apple has cancelled its iPad 3 supply schedule for the second half of 2011:
Apple was originally set to launch its iPad 3 in the second half of 2011 with a supply volume of 1.5-2 million units in the third quarter and 5-6 million in the fourth quarter, but Apple’s supply chain partners have recently discovered that the related figures have all already been deleted, the sources pointed out.
The reason for the device’s delay is the much-anticipated Retina display that we’re all looking forward to.The 9.7-inch display, with a resolution of 2,048 x 1,536, doesn’t currently meet “satisfaction levels”:
Sources from panel players also pointed out that the 9.7-inch panel with high resolution requires a much larger backlight source and a single edge light bar is hardly able to reach satisfaction levels. Due to 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.
However, Retina displays may not be the only reason. According to recent reports, Apple’s next-generation A6 chip isn’t going to be ready until 2012, and it’s unlikely the company would have released a next-generation device with the same chip as the iPad 2.
Hopefully this will finally put those rumors of a second iPad in 2011 to rest.
[via MacRumors]
