According to a new report from Bloomberg, Samsung is currently the sole supplier of the iPad 3’s 2048 x 1536 high-resolution retina display. Prior rumors had indicated that Samsung as well as LG may contribute displays in some capacity, but it had been expected that Sharp would be the main supplier of display panels for the new iPad.
Samsung Electronics Co. (005930) will supply the touch screen for Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s new iPad after LG Display Co. (034220) and Sharp Corp. (6753) didn’t meet the U.S. company’s quality requirements, according to an analyst with iSuppli.
Samsung, the world’s top flat-panel maker, currently is the sole vendor of the display for the 9.7-inch device, said Vinita Jakhanwal, a senior manager at iSuppli, a unit of Englewood, Colorado-based IHS Inc.
Rumors circulating months before the announcement of the iPad 3 had suggested that Sharp would be manufacturing the display panels for the next-generation tablet, using new IGZO technology. Shortly thereafter, a rumor appeared that Sharp had been dropped as a supplier due to inability to meet Apple’s stringent quality standards.