Apple switching to Sharp IGZO LCD panel -- report

The analyst claims that Apple's partnership with Sharp has resulted in enhanced IGZO (indium, gallium, zinc) LCD panels which can hit screen resolution of 330 dots-per-inch.

Apple has been rumored to be bringing sharper screens for iPad 3 and iPhone 5, but it was questioned whether it could be done with the current IPS (in-plane switching) technology Apple uses without sacrificing on device thinness and battery consumption.

“The IGZO technology is perfect in that it offers near-OLED power consumption while having a lower cost and thinness that is only 25% greater than OLED, based on our checks,” Misek wrote in the note.

“In our view, this should lead to several design advantages, namely the device can be thinner, battery life should be longer, and the overall experience for users should be meaningfully improved,” the analyst said.

It was earlier rumored that iPad 3 would be thicker than iPad 2 to accommodate a twin light bar system inside to keep its colors bright.

IGZO arrival
According to Misek, IGZO panel will first appear in the third generation of iPad and will later on feature in the sixth generation iPhone.

Misek said that Apple will be able to get this new IGZO system from Sharp at cheaper price as it is making a high capital commitment to Sharp.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Apple is investing an unspecified amount in Sharp's panel manufacturing factories in Japan.