iPad 3 with Retina Display Confirmed for 2012

Reports are coming in from several reputable sources saying that the company’s third-generation post-PC device is coming in 2012 equipped with a higher resolution display.

People familiar with Apple’s plans have reportedly said that the company’s iPad 3 will feature a high resolution display at 2048 by 1536 pixels.

This compares to 1024 by 768 in the iPad 1 and iPad 2 and it is said that Apple's suppliers have already shipped sampling units.

These people said Apple is keeping the 9.7-inch form factor and is only increasing the pixel density on the screen of the iPad 3.

According to trade publication Digitimes, Chimei Innolux (CMI) is no longer a provider of LCD panels for Apple, at least as far as the iPad 3 is concerned.

Facing what industry sources called “technological hurdles” the Chinese supplier has been successful with Apple’s demands for the iPad 2, but not with those of the next tablet which, according to these people, is “more demanding” in terms of resolution.

Even though the display maker recently invested NT$800 million to NT$1 billion to improve its manufacturing facilities, the CMI still hasn’t been able to meet Apple’s demands.

Sources in China noted that Chimei Innolux still has a shot at being tapped by Apple to become a regular supplier of iPad 3 panels, but only if it can improve the quality of the hardware.

Trying not to cast a bad light onto CMI, the sources added that even Apple’s regular suppliers, including LG Display (LGD) and Samsung Electronics, are having a rough time adjusting their manufacturing processes to achieve the 2,048 x 1,536 specification.

Besides the two Korean partners, Japanese supplier Sharp is said to have been selected for suppling iPad 3 panels as well.