Apple drops Sharp and recruits LG and Samsung for iPad 3 display production

Apple has allegedly given Sharp the boot and asked LG and Samsung to undertake manufacturing duties of Apple’s 10.1-inch Retina Display panel for the iPad 3, according to reports.

Sharp was apparently the company tasked with building Apple’s iPad Retina Display panel, according to a report from Macotakara, but this is no longer the case as LG and Samsung are said to be taking over manufacturing duties.

The news comes via 9to5Mac, which reports that Sharp has ‘failed to pass Apple’s approval process for mass production.’ According to reports, Sharp allegedly failed to meet Apple’s initial supply demands.

Apple’s iPad 3, if rumours are to be believed, could get a launch and release date inside Q1 of 2012 - i.e. before the end of April. That would be in keeping with the iPhone-maker’s usual release iPad launch/release schedule.

‘Apple is planning on placing orders for 65 million LCD panels for iPad 3 during 2012,’ says 9to5Mac. ‘It also claimed Samsung and LG would be supplying 5 million displays in the first quarter to meet demand for the device’s launch.’

It added: ‘This morning’s report from Macotakara claimed Foxconn Electronics and Pegatron Technology already began placing orders for iPad 3 components to meet an early-March launch.’

That’s all we know at present. But from what we’ve been hearing and, taking into account today’s report, we think it’s fairly safe to say that a Q1 launch for Apple’s iPad 3 is certainly now on the cards.

Lets just hope LG and Samsung can meet Apple’s high standards.