A report claims Apple was forced to hold off on the iPad 3 because of screen issues

Rumor has it that Apple has scrapped plans to release an updated iPad model with a Retina Display this year over manufacturing constraints.

If you recall, there has been a lot of talk over the last few months about the possibility that Apple would release either a cheaper version of the iPad 2 or an updated, HD version dubbed the “iPad 2 Plus” sometime this fall.

If Digitimes’ sources are correct, that won’t be happening until 2012:

The sources believe that the yield rate of the 9.7-inch panel that feature resolution of 2,048 by 1,536 may be the major reason of the supply delay since such panels are mainly supplied by Japan-based Sharp with a high price and Apple’s other supply partners Samsung Electronics and LG Display are both unable to reach a good yield. Since Apple is unable to control a certain level of supply volume, the iPad 3 is unlikely to be mass produced as scheduled, the sources added.

The rumor also backs up a TiPb report from last week that claims the iPhone will arrive on October 7th and the iPad 3 will be pushed back until Spring of 2012.

Technically speaking, you can’t really delay something that was never announced in the first place, but still – kind of disappointing.

Source: Know Your Cell – Cell Phone News, Reviews, Features and More