The early stages of production have allegedly begun for the iPad 3, which will reportedly be priced more affordably than earlier models of Apple's popular tablet. DigiTimes is reporting that Taiwanese iPad component makers are in the process of certifying their parts with Apple for the rumored third-generation device.
Citing "industry sources," DigiTimes says that some part makers have already snagged the Apple's certification "such as Radiant Opto-Electronics with LED backlight units." No touch screen panels have been approved yet.
A Korean newspaper has claimed that Apple will partner with Samsung to bring Samsung's Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode (AMOLED) display technology to the iPad 3. The site said Apple COO Tim Cook began talking with Samsung about the potential joint venture on a recent trip to South Korea.
The iPad 2 didn't get an upgraded display, and this isn't the first rumor about the iPad 3's display. Earlier this year, DigiTimes said that the tablet would come equipped with a brighter, higher-res AMOLED display. But it's not likely Samsung and Apple are chomping at the bit to work together, considering the two parties are currently engaged in a legal battle, with Apple accusing Samsung of patent and trademark infringement.
While DigiTimes notes that both Samsung and LG Electronics have supplied panels for Apple in the past, the most recent report about rumored part certification debunked the AMOLED display myths, saying that it's "unlikely to happen and iPad 3 will still adopt 9.7-inch LCD panels."
The iPad 3 will launch in 2012, DigiTimes says. Apple would not comment on the rumors.