iPad 3 rumor update: No Retina Display, won’t be here by fall

By Molly McHugh April 12, 2011

ipad-3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Was the news that the iPhone 5 won’t see production until September almost too much to bear? If so, brace yourself. DigiTimes is claiming that Apple’s shipment requests for the iPad 2 indicate that the iPad 3 “will not appear in the short term.” Sound open to interpretation? It’s not. To put it even more plainly, “the actual products are unlikely to appear in 2011.”

If it’s any comfort, Apple may pull something of an unprecedented move and offer an upgraded version of the iPad 2. Rumor has it that an iPad 2 supporting alternative communication formats (remember whispers about multiple versions of the iPad 2?) could hit the market, and that Apple will hold off on an iPad 3 release to capitalize on these sales.

Aside from keeping all of our internal clocks on time, why would Apple release the iPad 3 in 2012? Retailers can’t keep the iPad 2 on shelves and the frantic demand for Apple’s latest tablet hasn’t died down since its launch last month. At the same time, before this year you could (and some did) set your circadian rhythm to Apple’s product roadmap, especially when it came to such popular devices. But timing appears to be off in Cupertino, whether or not it’s intentional.

As a consolation prize, however, there are some new spec rumors about the iPad 3. While a Retina Display may be out of the picture once again, Apple is speculated to be considering using an “AMOLED planel or Full HD resolution support” for the coming tablet. From the sounds of it, Apple is dedicated to providing higher image quality – which may present a conflict. AMOLED technologies largely fall under Samsung’s control, a manufacturer that just happens to be one of Apple’s only real competitors in the tablet market. That said, it hasn’t stopped the Korean company from selling Apple $7.8 billion worth of parts in the past.

IPad 3 production is anything but underway, so don’t hold your breath for any finalized details. Time to exercise that patience, and in the meantime, cling to your iPad 2.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…

Computing

Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook

Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple has been a big player in the tech space for a long time, and it has pioneered some of the technology we use today, such as best wireless earbuds and the best smartwatches. If that wasn't enough, it even makes some of the best best laptops and best tablets on the market, so pretty much whatever tech you're looking for, Apple has an excellent version of it. Not only that, but Apple's ecosystem is also easily one of the best available, with only Samsung really competing in that space, and if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, then it makes sense to continue buying stuff from Apple.

Of course, Apple tech can be quite pricey, which is why we've gone out and searched through various big retailers to find you some of the best deals we can find. That includes everything from the MacBook to the AirTag, so hopefully, you can find the perfect deal that fits your needs and budget.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $80, was $99

Mobile

The best iPads in 2024: the 5 best ones you should buy

The backs of Apple's iPad Air and iPad Pro, with the tablets place on a table.

Apple's iPad is undoubtedly one of the most popular tablets on the market right now. There are several different models to choose from, but no matter which one you go with, you'll be getting one of the best tablets out there. Still, Apple provides an abundance of choice here, and with so many different versions — and almost annual updates — it can be tricky to know which one is the best to get.

All of Apple's iPads are pretty great, and they're each designed with a slightly different audience in mind, so it's hard to pick a single one as "the best." That's why we've broken this list down by categories; after all, there's an ideal iPad for nearly every situation. Whether you're looking for the best overall iPad, the best iPad on a budget, something in the middle of the pack, or even the best small iPad, we've got you covered.

Mobile

This iPad just got a rare discount — save $100 at Best Buy

Call of Duty: Mobile on the iPad (2022).

The standard Apple 10.9-inch iPad rarely sees a deep discount but that’s the case over at Best Buy at the moment. Normally priced at $449, you can buy one for just $349 for a limited time. A hefty saving of $100, this is one of the better iPad deals at the moment and worth checking out if you want a new tablet or you’re keen to buy someone a great gift. Here’s what the Apple 10.9-inch iPad has to offer.

Why you should buy the Apple 10.9-inch iPad
The Apple 10.9-inch iPad is a pretty good tablet for anyone who wants something straightforward and useful. It has an attractive 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone support so it looks great with whatever you’re doing, whether you’re browsing the internet, watching videos, or playing a game. It’s powered by the A14 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU which is why the Apple 10.9-inch iPad easily joins the best iPads list for anyone seeking a great mid-range example. It’s easily capable of playing many games through Apple Arcade as well as being snappy when it comes to looking up YouTube videos and similar.