Slash LaneIn reporting the rumor from its sources on Monday, Taiwanese publication DigiTimes also qualified the information by saying the cost of OLED displays is currently prohibitively high. Nevertheless, it said that sources indicated the next-generation iPad would use an OLED panel.
"Apple reportedly has started development of the second generation iPad using the same design concept as for the iPhone 4G, and will use an OLED panel, according to sources in the component industry," the report said. "Apple is said to be aiming to launch the device in 2011, but a DigiTimes Research senior analyst said the cost of OLED panels are much too high for the iPad."
The report noted that OLED panel prices are expected to drop, which could make the screen display option more viable in time for a new iPad model next year. But it also said that Mingchi Kuo, its senior analyst, is "conservative" about the prospect of an iPad with an OLED panel.
Earlier this month, an analysis of the parts included in the iPad found the current model's LCD screen with IPS technology to be the most expensive component, at an estimated $95. In all, the $499 iPad was said to cost $260 in components.
On the other hand, a 9.7-inch OLED display alone currently costs about $500. Kuo said he doesn't expect that price to drop significantly this year or next.
Last November, DigiTimes incorrectly said that Apple would offer an OLED version of the iPad at a cost of at least $2,000 at retail, due to the high cost of such displays. Most industry watchers at the time believed Apple would charge at least $1,000 for its tablet computer, but the company shocked many in January when it revealed the iPad would start at just $499.
In the hype leading up to the iPad unveiling, numerous rumors suggested Apple could utilize an OLED display in its new hardware. In January, one rumor suggested that Apple had cornered the market on 10-inch OLED displays.
The current iPad LCD screen uses IPS, or in-plane switching, technology. It was developed by Hitachi in 1996, and offers improved viewing angles and color reproductions on screens.
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Charles Martin
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31 Comments
God. Apple has not even released the 3G Ipad and we are getting these crap rumors from Digitimes already? While I have no doubt that Apple is testing these Oled screens on all kinds of devices I would seriously doubt that they have made any kind of final decision yet on any of the 2nd generation hardware.
They probably offer it as an option for people who are willing to pay the $$$ for the OLED screen. Normal consumers would still be able to get the cheaper screen.
Apple has 3 generations with the iPhone display but we are to assume that they didn't think about what tech to use on the iPad? Why even report on this blatantly false report? Apple hasn't even adopted AMOLED for their smaller iDevice yet we are to believe they will for the iPad which already uses a good IPS display and has great battery life?
They probably offer it as an option for people who are willing to pay the $$$ for the OLED screen. Normal consumers would still be able to get the cheaper screen.
I don't think so. If you go OLED you are best to make the UI use more blacks, the way the Zune HD did, in order to preserve battery life and showcase those truer blacks. Having it as an option simply doesn't make much sense to me and the choice of an IPS display wasn't a whim decision. I doubt they are regretting their choice 3 weeks in.
They probably offer it as an option for people who are willing to pay the $$$ for the OLED screen. Normal consumers would still be able to get the cheaper screen.
Build-to-order iPad? Highly unlikely. It's not like you are swapping the screen on a laptop.
I call BS on this whole rumor. Probably started by the same people who've been insisting for the last two upgrades of the iPhone that Apple would use OLED. They must have investments in it or something and are trying to push the tech.