Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories?
No, thank you Accept
X
WWDC: Everything We ExpectRemote Working in ParadiseBest Mineral SunscreensBest Solar CompaniesCNET CouponsMeal Subscription vs. TakeoutBest Satellite Internet ProvidersCurrent Mortgage Rates
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Is Sharp out as an iPad 3 display manufacturer?

Reports that permeated the iPad 3 rumor mill this morning peg iPad 3 manufacturers Foxconn Electronics and Pegatron Technology as having begun iPad 3 production with a March launch on the horizon. Those reports cited earlier rumors that named Sharp as a main manufacturer of the high-density displays used in the iPad 3, which have now been challenged by a new rumor that Sharp did not meet Apple's specifications in its initial run of displays.

headshots_Joe_Aimonetti_140x100.jpg
headshots_Joe_Aimonetti_140x100.jpg
Joe Aimonetti MacFixIt Editor
Joe is a seasoned Mac veteran with years of experience on the platform. He reports on Macs, iPods, iPhones and anything else Apple sells. He even has worked in Apple retail stores. He's also a creative professional who knows how to use a Mac to get the job done.
See full bio
Joe Aimonetti
2 min read
Advertiser Disclosure
Advertiser Disclosure
This advertising widget is powered by Navi and contains advertisements that Navi may be paid for in different ways. You will not be charged for engaging with this advertisement. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, this advertising widget does not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. We make reasonable efforts to ensure that information in the featured advertisements is up to date, each advertiser featured in this widget is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its offer details. It is possible that your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms in this advertising widget and the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser which will be presented to you prior to making a purchase. All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you.

Reports that permeated the iPad 3 rumor mill this morning peg iPad 3 manufacturers Foxconn Electronics and Pegatron Technology as having begun iPad 3 production with a March launch on the horizon.

Those reports cited earlier rumors that Sharp was a main manufacturer of the high-density displays used in the iPad 3, which have now been challenged by a new rumor that Sharp did not meet Apple's specifications in its initial run of displays.

Apple

The site Patently Apple has published a report found on Korean industry site Electronic Times Internet News that claims Sharp is out of the iPad 3 manufacturing process.

Display duties will now fall entirely to LG Display and Samsung Electronics. Earlier rumors suggested that Sharp's IGZO technology would replace the iPad's IPS display in the iPad 3. Now, if this report holds up, it appears the IGZO technology will not, in fact, be included in the iPad 3.

According to the Electronic Times Internet News report, Apple plans on ordering upward of 65 million display units for 2012, with over 5 million of those already being on their way to Foxconn and Pegatron for the rumored March launch.

This year has been particularly leaky in the supply chain department, especially with the iPad 3 production rumors. As far as you and I are concerned, who makes the iPad 3 display is not nearly as important as whether or not it's a Retina Display (which seems to be a lock at this point).

As spring approaches we will certainly see many more reports originating from all kinds of unnamed sources around the world that claim to have knowledge of Apple's production plans. The best thing to keep in mind when reading any of these is to remember that they are still rumors. Basing your assumptions (or buying habits) on anything other than official Apple statements could turn out badly.

What do you think of Apple rumors, fun to read or annoying to sift through? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!