iPad 3 release 'delayed'

The widely-predicted late-2011 launch of the iPad 3 will be delayed, according to accounts from Asian suppliers.

The Digitimes reported yesterday that Apple has cancelled its iPad 3 supply scheduled for the second half of 2011.

Sources revealed the iPad 3 was set to launch with a supply volume of between 1.5 million and 2 million units in the third quarter, but that Apple's supply chain partners have found the related figures have already been removed.

There is currently speculation that the limited availability of the 9.7-inch panels that feature 2 048 by 1 536 resolution, known as Retina Display, has led to the delay. The resolution of Retina Display is four times higher than that of the current iPad, and three times more than that of the most current Android tablets.

It is believed that, as a result of the supply chain delays, Apple will opt to stick to its annual release cycle and unveil the iPad 3 in early 2012. Sources from supply chains say an estimated 30 million iPad 2s will be shipped for 2Q11.

In the meantime, the iPhone 5 is expected to be unveiled in the next month, and is reportedly in carrier testing phase.

According to BGR, an internal iOS test-build from a major carrier partner reveals a property list for LTE.

Fuelling the rumours, head of Verizon Wireless Dan Mead is reported to have said to the press earlier this year: “We'll see more coming from Apple on LTE. They understand the value proposition of LTE and I feel very confident that they are going to be part of it.”

Apple is, however, yet to make any formal announcement regarding the iPhone 5, and speculation continues as to whether it will be a small upgrade of the iPhone 4 or a major redesign.

The company is expected to make the announcement at its annual September launch event - which has traditionally been used to unveil new iPod releases in anticipation of the Christmas shopping season.