LG and Samsung Still Struggling with 'Retina' iPad 3 Display?

CNET reports that LG Display and Samsung are continuing to struggle with production of the display planned for the iPad 3 next year, with both companies trying to tackle the challenge of producing the display in volume. Sources have claimed that Apple is planning a 2048 x 1536 display for the device, double that of the current iPad in each dimension.

But whether manufacturers can make them in volumes that Apple demands is the question. "They have production plans for 2,048x1,536 displays. Starting in November. But those are only plans at this point," said the source, referring to LG and Samsung.

"It's not a question of making just one. That, of course, can be done. The challenge is making lots of them," the source said. "This is a quantum leap in pixel density. This hasn't been done before."

Some reports had suggested that Apple was hoping to release the iPad 3 late this year, but by August reports were suggesting that the launch had been pushed back to 2012, if it had ever been targeted for 2011 in the first place. Display production was identified as the major stumbling block at the time, but The Wall Street Journal had noted that trial production of the display was planned for October.

white ipad 2 oblique
Curiously, CNET's report claims that Apple is also considering a 1600 x 1200 display as a fallback option for the iPad 3 if the higher-resolution display proves to not be ready in time. Such a move would seem to run counter to Apple's strategy for increasing display resolution, as it would not be a clean multiple of the current 1024 x 768 display and would thus cause issues for developers who have already produced apps for the current iPad models.

When Apple transitioned to the Retina display on the iPhone 4, it doubled each dimension of the previous 480 x 320 display to reach the new 960 x 640 resolution. That exact doubling in each dimension allowed the Retina-capable iPhone 4 to easily display content intended for the original lower-resolution display. Over time, many developers have updated their apps to specifically support the Retina display, providing higher-resolution graphics within their apps.

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Top Rated Comments

Slurpy2k8 Avatar
174 months ago
Samsung is having troubles making displays for the iPad 3.

Sort of like the maths nerd having trouble doing homework for the cool football star at school really ... the incentive is what ?

We wont beat you up ?

The incentive is multi-billion dollar manufacturing contracts from Apple. What, you think they're doing it as a favor? Trust me, they're motivated.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Andronicus Avatar
174 months ago
Don't settle Apple, take your time and perfect the 2048 x 1536 screens.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2IS Avatar
174 months ago
Always wonder how Apple could improve the iPad. THIS IS IT.

I stopped wondering how they can make it better about a year and a half ago when I got my iPhone 4.

Samsung is having troubles making displays for the iPad 3.

Sort of like the maths nerd having trouble doing homework for the cool football star at school really ... the incentive is what ?

We wont beat you up ?

I agree, Samsung should really consider charging Apple for these panels instead of doing it out of the kindness of their heart. /sarcasm
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MetalMoon Avatar
174 months ago
A hi def screen and I am sold. And maybe 126 Gb would be nice to.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thenerdal Avatar
174 months ago
Always wonder how Apple could improve the iPad. THIS IS IT.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pancakedrawer Avatar
174 months ago
Hardware wise I can't see how they could possibly improve the iPad if they pull this off. Fingers crossed!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)