Apple may update Retina iPad

When Apple took the wraps off the new iPad earlier this year, its main feature was the incredible Retina Display technology. Though this tablet, like most iOS devices, sold in really high numbers, there was one issue that plagued a number of its users. The new iPad was on the heavier side as compared with the iPad 2. As per a report by CNET, Apple is aiming to produce a new, thinner and lighter version of the tablet.

According to the report, an NDP DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim has spoken with them and has stated that Apple intends to update the third generation iPad with reduced weight and other improvements.

The report states, “The updated 9.7-inch Retina iPad would address issues with the first-generation Retina product. That includes making it lighter and improving the LED backlight apparatus, according to market research firm NPD DisplaySearch. "We are seeing [Apple] work with panel makers to come out with a display that enables a thinner overall [product] with longer battery life," said Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch. "Of course the supply chain is dynamic, but we're seeing some early indications that this may be happening," he added. Because of the vagaries of the supply chain -- made up of manufacturers and suppliers -- orders get canceled, plans get changed, sometimes on a monthly basis.”

The report also goes on to state that last week DisplaySearch said, “Apple is working with the LCD supply chain to refresh the display, including revising the LED backlight design for cost reduction, refining the thermal solution, reducing the weight by replacing some components, and fine tuning the panel transmittance for lower power consumption”.

The heating up of the tablet has also been a matter of concern for many users. If Apple updates the iPad, we hope that this issue is also addressed.

Raymond Soneira, Founder, President and CEO of DisplayMate Technologies, said, “There's no question that the iPad 3 is Plan B. They pushed amorphous silicon [display tech] to a higher [pixels per inch] than anybody else. But the light throughput is not good. So it has roughly twice as many LEDs, and they had to get a 70 percent larger battery."

A refreshed Retina iPad may be in the works

Apple is set to introduce a smaller-sized iPad by October this year, and this would compete directly with the Google Nexus 7 and the recently announced Kindle Fire HD tablets.

Apple tends to keep its products for a year. If Apple refreshes the tablet, it is likely that the new tablet will be introduced early next year, as Apple would not want the iPad mini to share the spotlight.

Share your thoughts on the current Apple iPad and if you think that it was a Plan B.