Apple's new iPad Retina display production problems persist

It looks like Apple is still coping with production problems of its Retina display for the new iPad. According to AppleInsider, who spoke with KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Samsung remains the sole supplier of the Retina display with LG and Sharp still struggling to provide screens that will meet Apple's strict standards.

LG is believed to have corrected its display issues and will be supplying the iPad Retina displays alongside Samsung starting in the second quarter of this year. However, Samsung will still be the main supplier. Additionally, nothing indicates that Sharp has begun providing any displays.

Kuo notes that Sharp is still experiencing material stability issues due to its aoption of Oxide technology. Sharp likely won't be able to build iPad Retina displays at a normal rate until the third quarter of this year.

The resulting constrained supply of the new iPad is believed to be the cause of Apple's sales of 13.1 million units last quarter. But shipping times have improved recently to 5 to 7 days for the new iPads and Kuo expects Apple to sell 18.6 million units in the second quarter of 2012 as supply of the Retina display improves.

[via AppleInsider]