Report: Apple Struggles With Retina Display for iPad 3

Apple released the iPad 2 last March without upgrading its display, and but a CNet report has said Apple is now facing challenges with bumping the screen of the iPad 3 up to retina display.

Apple would like its third-generation tablet to have a retina display, but CNet’s source said Apple is having trouble packing the huge number of pixels necessary into a 10-inch screen.

Retina display, according to Apple’s definition, means the “display’s pixel density is so high, your eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels.” The iPhone 4S features a retina display with a resolution of 960x620. Apple packed 326 pixels per inch (PPI) into the 3.5-inch screen to give graphics a super sharp, seamless look. It’s the most detail a human retina can see at a distance of 12 inches, Apple has said.

CNet noted that it’s not possible to cram that many pixels into the iPad 3. Display manufacturers like Samsung and LG have created displays with a maximum of 2,048x1,536 resolution, for 264 PPI, and at this point, that’s as high as they’ve been able to take the resolution of tablet’s screens. While that’s twice the 132 PPI on the iPad 2, it’s still not quite retina display.

Apple is faced with another problem too. CNet said it might not be possible for manufacturers to produce such a high volume of these displays to satisfy demand for the iPad 3.

CNet’s source said “[LG and Samsung] have production plans for 2,048x1,536 displays. Starting in November. But those are the only plans at this point.”

Whether Apple will be able to kick the resolution up, while still meeting demand, remains to be seen. But if it can’t reach that level, CNet said it will compromise with a 1,600x1,200 resolution.

Many sources have predicted that Apple will . The most recent rumor, via Macotakara, claimed the tablet will have a smaller dock which could cause compatibility issues with older Apple gadgets.