iPad 3 to feature IGZO displays from Sharp?

We reported late last year that Apple might turn to Sharp’s IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) displays for their upcoming iPad 3 tablet, and here is another bit of news that might actually confirm this particular rumor. After all, Sharp is currently ramping up their production lines to deliver huge quantities of IGZO displays, and interestingly enough, none of these are available commercially. With so much supply, surely it must eventually end up somewhere, right?

Just what does an IGZO display bring to the table? It is capable of delivering a high resolution of up to 330 dots per inch, and there is no need for any LED backlight as well. Still, there are rumors going around that Apple will look to LG for their iPad 3’s display needs. On paper, the IGZO display is still preferred over the traditional screens which are comprised of amorphous silicon, simply due to IGZO having a higher electron mobility – resulting in the ability for more light to penetrate the back of the display, hence doing away with the need for LED backlights. The bottomline? Lower production costs – which is always a good thing.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Rumors, Tablets
Tags: Apple Inc, igzo, ipad 3, Sharp