Analyst: iPad 3 Retina Display production “has started”

9to5 Staff | Nov 22 2011 - 6:03 am PT

Mere hours after we verified the connection between DigiTimes display predictions and the J2 prototype found in iOS 5 code strings, DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim told CNET that production of a QXGA 10-inch 2048-by-1536 Retina Display for iPad 3 “has started”, as previously hinted:

It’s happening – QXGA, 2048×1536. Panel production has started [for the next-generation iPad]. There’s three suppliers. […] It takes a couple of weeks for the production to go to the ODMs (the manufacturers). Then the manufacturer puts them in the housing. Then, that goes off to shipment. We could start seeing finished devices produced in December. And then being ready to be shipped in January. With volumes gearing up in February and March

J1 and J2 are code-names DigiTimes outed as next-generation iPad models allegedly in the works for 2012. Acknowledging possible issues with volume manufacturing of such a high-resolution display, the analyst stressed Apple should be able to meet targets because it is sourcing parts from three display manufacturers: Samsung Electronic, LG Display and Sharp.

He speculated this Retina Display will be based on LCD technology with in-plane switching (IPS) rather than AMOLED. A QXGA display has the same 4:3 aspect ratio the iPad which will allow for scaling up apps just like the Retina iPhone and iPod display did, allowing minimal intervention. Its wide screen 16:10 aspect ratio counterpart is called WQXGA, featuring a 2560-by-1600 pixel resolution of Apple’s 30-inch Cinema Display. Another DigiTimes report claimed Apple was exploring a dual LED-bar system to power this high-resolution display. As for a 7.85-inch iPad The Korea Times recently mentioned, Shin said “there’s no reason” why Apple wouldn’t build a smaller iPad provided there’s demand. If early popularity of Amazon’s seven-inch tablet is anything to go by, Apple may in fact offer iPad of the future in at least two different sizes.