iPad 3 Will Have a Retina Display, but Presents a Challenge for Manufacturers
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One of the most anticipated features of the upcoming iPad 3 is a Retina Display similar to the current display of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Asian suppliers have long proclaimed that the iPad 3 will feature a Retina Display, but it seems that manufacturing such a screen is a difficult task.
According to Apple, a Retina Display must have a pure pixel density that keeps the eye from viewing individual pixels. The iPhone 4S has a resolution of 960×640, with a 3.5 inch display. This equates to 326 pixels per inch, and prevents iPhone users from being able to see any pixellation.
The next generation iPad with a Retina Display will not have a screen that is as dense as the iPhone because it’s not possible to manufacture at this point in time. Currently, display manufacturers can only create a 2048×1536 resolution display. If that manages to go into production, it’s still a huge upgrade from the current iPad screen, with 264 pixels per inch instead of 132.
Manufacturers are planning on producing screens at that resolution beginning in November, but it’s unknown whether they will be able to produce the screens in the quantity that Apple requires.
One source that spoke to CNET said, “This is a quantum leap in pixel density. This hasn’t been done before.” If display manufacturers cannot keep up with demand, a fallback option of a 1600×1200 screen may be used instead. This would still be an improvement over the current 1024 x 768 display, but it’s not quite what Apple is aiming for.
As of right now, the iPad 3 is expected to be released in March of 2012, inline with other Apple iPad releases. With display production beginning in November, that doesn’t leave a lot of time for trial and error. Hopefully display manufacturers are able to fulfill Apple’s demands, or we may experience a significant delay. It’s not unheard of, after all. The iPhone 4S arrived a full six months after other iPhone releases, coming in October instead of June.
If it’s a matter of waiting for a higher resolution screen, I’d take that option any day over settling for second best. A six month wait is a small price to pay for an amazing display.
[via CNET]
