Possible Sharp-made iPad 3 display emerges at parts reseller
updated 09:35 am EST, Thu February 9, 2012
Influx of parts may suggest iPad 3 in production
A parts reseller, Eye Lab Factory, has managed to obtain what could be a display panel for the iPad 3, says Macotakara. The part measures about 9.7 inches, and uses a flat cable similar to that connecting the iPad 2's display. It also reportedly supports resolutions up to 2048x1536, the level most commonly anticipated for the iPad 3.
The panel is made by Sharp, which has been tapped by reports from DigiTimes, the Wall Street Journal, and Macotakara itself as producing IGZO screens for Apple. Contradictory accounts, though, have hinted that Sharp might have failed to meet supply and/or quality demands, in which case Samsung and LG would supposedly be handling display duties. IGZO should have a few advantages over regular LCDs, such as less power consumption.
In the past couple of days purported backs for the iPad 3 have also become public. If they are authentic, the emergence of so many components may suggest that iPad 3 production is well underway. An announcement has been tipped for the first week of March.
