According to DigiTimes report, Apple is unlikely to release an iPad 3 in 2011. DigiTimes cites Apple’s component suppliers in stating that the idea of an iPad 3 with a Retina Display launching this year is likely just “wishful thinking and misreporting.” The site maintains that Apple has not yet placed any orders for a new iPad to be released this year and if it does, it will likely be a minor upgrade, possibly adding 4G support to the tablet.
Sources from touch panel makers pointed out that Apple recently released its latest tablet PC plan and is asking the panel makers to provide products that are capable to support higher image quality than the current iPad 2 and Apple may even choose AMOLED panel or panel that support Full HD standard to accomplish the plan. However, since the project is still at the initial planning stage, the actual products are unlikely to appear in 2011.
Another big rumor for the iPad 3 was that it will sport a Retina Display. While it’s likely it will, it’s not likely an iPad with a Retina Display will appear this year. Sources told Digitimes that while Apple has been asking touchscreen panel makers to provide screens that can provide higher resolutions than the current iPad 2 screen, the project is still in the “initial planning stage” and thus unlikely to appear in 2011.
As for the iPad 3 rumor, the sources from upstream component makers pointed out that the new rumored device should be an upgrade version of iPad 2 or an iPad 2 version that supports different communication format. Since Apple just released its iPad 2 in early March and is ready to start mass shipping, launching the iPad 3 would simply bite off share from its iPad 2.
The sources pointed out that they have not yet received any notice for next generation iPad products and do not believe iPad 2 is a transitional product. With iPad 2’s strong shipment order forecast from Apple, the sources believe iPad 3 will not appear in the short term.
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