Usually, before a big Apple launch, there are a few telling symbols that something is on its way. Normally the clues are found in the manufacturing chain. Good signs often are: next gen parts being found in production, and the current generation being slowed down. Currently, iPad displays are manufactured by a few different companies, LG, Samsung and CMI. In total, between all three companies, Apple has dropped its orders for displays by over 800,000 units.

Rumor has it that Samsung and Sharp are already shipping iPad 3 displays to Apple, ready for the next tablet launch. No mention of LG, but that’s hardly surprising considering the company struggled to keep up with Apple’s demand for productivity and quality.

“While Apple is adjusting panel inventory for iPad 2, Samsung and Sharp already began shipping panels for the next-generation iPads to Apple in October, and Taiwan-based touch panel makers TPK Holding and Wintek will begin to ship touch panels for the new iPads to the supply chain in November-December, the sources noted.”

There’s no mention of any resolution differences between the current display and the new one. However, we’re all hoping the next iPad will come relatively close to matching the Retina display on the iPhone 4 and 4S.

What changes would you like to see in the next iPad? I, for one, see no purpose in having a rear camera, so removing that would be a start.

Via: DigiTimes