Sharp working to ship iPad displays 'as soon as possible'
updated 03:30 pm EDT, Mon March 19, 2012
Apple coping despite lack of suppliers
Sharp is still trying to ramp up production of iPad displays, and is expecting to ship them "as soon as possible," according to sources for the Wall Street Journal. One of the sources elaborates that the first batch of third-generation iPads -- which shipped on Friday -- don't use Sharp LCDs, because the company had trouble customizing screens to meet Apple demands. The claim echoes one reported by the Journal just last week.
Which companies are currently producing iPad displays is unclear. Research firm IHS iSuppli recently made the assertion that Samsung is the lone supplier, but a Reuters source challenged this, arguing that LG Display also has a panel supply deal. The only consistent assertion has been that Sharp has yet to join in.
Regardless, Apple appears to be coping with less than a full complement of display suppliers. Whereas iPad 2 stocks evaporated rapidly after a launch last year, third-generation iPads have remained relatively accessible, even if shipping from Apple's online store now takes at least two to three weeks.
