Sharp supplying iPad 3 displays: Wall Street Journal

According to a recent  Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, Sharp Corp. will be the maker of screens for next-generation iPad 3 and iPhone 5, expected to unveil in 2012.

According to the site's source, "Apple is also investing in facilities at Sharp's panel manufacturing factories in Japan" and that it plans to work with multiple component makers  to "secure enough parts to make its popular iPhones and iPads."

The reason for Apple zeroing on Sharp's LCD panels for the iPad is very simple. With the company engulfed in a fierce legal battle with its biggest suppliers of components Samsung, it is forced to look for alternatives.

The Korean giant has become one of Apple's strong competitors looking to occupy a dominant position in both the smartphone and tablet market, currently ruled by Apple.

It is heard that Apple will also be sourcing the display for iPad 3 from Samsung and LG to ensure the volume is enough to launch the product in the market.

Over the past week we have heard quite a few iPad 3 rumors flying OTA. While some rumors state that the iPad 3 will be seen sporting a 2048 x 1536 display, others state that the device will be seen with a IPS or commonly known as in-plane switching technology which is present in Apple products today.

This has been followed by Apple's plan to make a foray into the small screen tablet market with its 7.85-inch based iPad tablet. We have also heard a few rumors regarding its design as well. In order to accommodate the the twin light bar system which is  essential for the higher-resolution display, the iPad 3 is speculated to be thicker (0.7mm).

The news/rumors also indicate that iPad 3 finished devices will be ready by December with shipping in January. If this is true, 2012 will surely start with a big bang!