In a statement to CNet, MacRumors reports that DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shaw claims that Apple has already begun production of a 2048X1536 Retina display for the iPad 3.
It’s happening–QXGA, 2048×1536. Panel production has started [for the next-generation iPad]. There’s three suppliers,” Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch, said in an interview today. Shim confirmed other reports that cite three companies, Samsung, Sharp, and LGD.
This lines up with previous rumors that Apple is slowing down iPad 2 display production in order to ramp up production for the iPad 3.
As a prominent research firm focused specifically oh the display supply chain, DisplaySearch is as good a source of any for this type of information, and Shaw’s comments cite the same three suppliers previously claimed by DigiTimes.
iPad 3 rumors are really starting to build up, with numerous previous rumors suggesting a Retina display for the next-gen tablet, and clues found within iOS showing high-resolution icons and wallpapers.
The iPad 3 is widely expected to be released sometime in early-to-mid 2012.