Is Apple developing a Retina-like display for the 'iPad 3'?

It is widely rumoured that the follow-up to the iPad 2 will be the iPad HD, which is said to feature a Retina-like display. The third generation iPad, possibly the iPad 3, may have to feature a screen with a higher pixel density in order to topple its predecessor as one of the highest selling tablets till date. According to a report by CNET, the iPad 3 is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2012 and a source close to the project has stated that Apple’s goal is to have a Retina-like Display resolution.

May not feature on the upcoming iPad (Image mock-up)

Apple describes Retina display as “the pixel density is so high your eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels.” On a 3.5-inch screen such as the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S, the display packs 326 pixels per inch (PPI). They go on to state that at holding the smartphone 12-inches from the eye, this is the most amount of detail a human eye can see. The big question is if this feat can be reproduced on an iPad and its 9.7-inch screen. As of now the pixel density found on the iPad 2 is 132 PPI.

The CNET source who has also been in contact with Asian based suppliers of displays has stated that Samsung and LG have come close to seriously upscaling pixel density on tablets as they already have plans in place for packing 264 PPI in 2,048 x 1,536 pixel displays. However, these are just plans at this point and the source believes that production should begin sometime this month. Another issue that arises is the cost of these displays. The same source is also reported to have said, “It's not a question of making just one. That, of course, can be done. The challenge is making lots of them. This is a quantum leap in pixel density. This hasn't been done before.” They go on to say, that if this target cannot be met, there is a provisional option for a resolution of 1,600 x 1,200.

Do you think Apple or any of their competitors will be able to put out a tablet with such high resolutions in the near future? Let us know in the comments below.