Component Suppliers Say iPad 3 in 2011 is Unlikely

Apple is unlikely to deliver a third iPad in 2011, according component suppliers contacted by DigiTimes.

Sources from touch panel makers pointed out that Apple recently released its latest tablet PC plan and is asking the panel makers to provide products that are capable to support higher image quality than the current iPad 2 and Apple may even choose AMOLED panel or panel that support Full HD standard to accomplish the plan. However, since the project is still at the initial planning stage, the actual products are unlikely to appear in 2011.


DigiTimes notes that AMOLED may be not be a viable option for Apple since the technology is mostly controlled by Samsung, an Apple competitor.

As for the iPad 3 rumor, the sources from upstream component makers pointed out that the new rumored device should be an upgrade version of iPad 2 or an iPad 2 version that supports different communication format. Since Apple just released its iPad 2 in early March and is ready to start mass shipping, launching the iPad 3 would simply bite off share from its iPad 2.

DigiTimes' sources say they have not received any notice for a next generation iPad and do not believe the iPad 3 will appear in the short term.