Here’s probably one solid proof discounting the rumors that Apple maybe releasing the iPad 3 later this year. Digitimess, citing reliable sources is reporting that Apple has apparently cancelled its iPad 3 supply schedule for the second half of 2011. According to the report, Apple was supposed to launch its iPad 3 in the second half of 2011 with arounds 1.5-2 million units to be sold during the 3rd quarter and 5-6 million units in the 4th quarters. Unfortunately, some of Apple’s supply chain partners have discovered that these figures have already been cancelled by Apple.
The report also mentioned that the yield rate of the 9.7-inch panel with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 is one reason why Apple cancelled its supply chain. There has been a shortage of supply of these panels since these are mainly produced by Japan-based company, Sharp. Sharp is charging Apple with a high price for these panels. And since the other suppliers of these panels which include Samsung's and LG Display, Apple has no choice but to postpon the production of the iPad 3, hopefully by early next year.
Another issue that came out points to the fact that one of the requirements for the iPad 3 panels which is a high resolution which requires much larger backlight source and the single edge light bar, is not being met by the supplierss. This was said to be conflicting with Apple’s requirements for physical thinnes, rich color support and toughness of its upcoming iPad 3 .
What is certain for now is the fact that Apple will maintain the supply of iPad 2 in the seconds half of this year. Apple is earmarking around 28-30 million units of iPad 2 to be shipped later this year.
So much for the waiting and anticipation, I guess?