While rumors have been surfacing about a possible “iPad 2 HD” or “iPad 2 Pro” with a Retina display, manufacturers of these panels tell a different story. According to DigiTimes, manufacturers are struggling with Apple’s demand, and 10.1-inch Retina displays likely won’t be arriving soon.
Apple has significantly boosted demand for portable displays with their increasingly popular mobile devices. This was part of the reason for the supply issues surrounding the iPad 2, and the DigiTimes report suggests that manufacturers are having a very difficult time keeping up with demand while continuing to upgrade the specifications of their products.
As evidenced by the above chart (click the image to expand), it’s unlikely that 10.1-inch displays will reach the necessary screen resolution for a Retina display until sometime in the latter half of 2012. There’s still good news, however – when the displays do reach Retina levels, they should be even thinner, lighter, and more energy-conserving than current panels, and may support up to 10-finger gestures!
Still believe the iPad 2 HD rumors? While still possible (Apple has been known to have tricks up their sleeve), prospects of a Retina-level update prior to the iPad 4 seem to have basically vanished.
