Report: Apple boots Sharp from iPad 3 supply chain
Less than two months ago we reported that Sharp Electronics was working on manufacturing displays for the iPad 3. Now it appears that the company most known for its televisions is out of the coveted Apple supply chain.
Apparently, the dispute wasn’t about money, either. Sharp’s display panels just weren’t up to snuff for Apple’s liking, and ET News reported that LG and Samsung have seized the opportunity and are supplying the Cupertino-based technology company with high-definition 2048x1536 resolution screens.
The news comes as a blow to Sharp, as Apple was reportedly interested in investing $1 billion in a display plant for the company. Sources told ET News that Apple is planning on procuring 65 million LCD panels for iPad 3 productions in 2012.
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The news isn’t all bad for Sharp, however, as the company is expected to continue working within the Apple supply chain. Sharp currently makes displays for Apple’s iPhone, and that supply chain relationship is expected to continue for the next generation of Apple phones.
Apple’s iPad 3 is slated to be released as early as March, though that date is based off sources with knowledge of the company’s production schedule. No official iPad 3 release date has been announced.
