iPad 3 Debut Pushed Back to 2012, Report Says

The 2011 launch of the iPad 3 that was never announced has already been canceled, according to a DigiTimes report. The site says the debut of the third-generation tablet has been pushed back because of a shortage of high-resolution screens in the supply chain.

The report says the issue is that the 9.7-inch panels capable of 2048 x 1536 resolution are only available from Sharp, and Apple’s other suppliers, like Samsung and LG, have not been able to deliver the needed screens. It seems Sharp hasn’t been able to meet a low enough price point for the screens for Apple’s requirements.

The so-called “retina display” would double the resolution of the current iPad. Apple is also rumored to be looking at a much smaller screen improvement, according to Bloomberg.

Digitimes says there may also be issues with getting the light source to work to Apple’s satisfaction since the higher-resolution screen would require a more powerful light, something that could be tough to pull off without sacrificing the iPad’s trademark thinness.

There had been speculation that Apple would launch the iPad 3 in 2011 with a supply volume of up to 2 million units in the third quarter, and then ramp up production to 5 to 6 million in the fourth quarter, but apparently suppliers have seen those 2011 numbers zeroed out.

There may be no need for Apple to rush out the next-generation iPad anyhow, with its new A6 processor due in 2012 and iPad 2 sales continuing at a brisk pace with more than 9 million units sold in the last quarter.