Report: Apple Tablet Delayed for OLED Panel

By Jane McEntegart
published

If you were hoping to see an Apple tablet in the Spring, we have some bad news.

After months of reports claiming we'd see the Apple tablet in Q1 of next year, the latest rumor is that the device has been delayed until the second half of 2010. Oh, and Apple is also said to be developing a high end, OLED version that will retail for significantly more.

The latest gossip comes to us direct from Digitimes, which cites sources from component makers who say Apple has decided to switch some components and plans to launch a model using a 9.7-inch OLED panel from LG Display. These sources went on to point out that LG is currently making OLED panels using its 4.5G production line and the company's five-year $500 million contract with Apple includes supply of OLED panels.

Given that the cost of one of the OLED panels rings in at around $500 and panel costs normally account for about 30 percent of the device's total cost, the sources estimated that Apple's OLED tablet will cost between $1,500 and $1,700. This price is expected to drop to around $1,200 by the second half of next year, with the retail price for the device expected to be $2,000.

Read the full story here.

Jane McEntegart
37 Comments Comment from the forums
  • doomtomb
    There's going to be an OLED and a cheaper LCD version. OLEDs cost less to produce once manufacturers get their act together... we are entering 2010, we should have this stuff by now...
    Reply
  • This price is expected to drop to around $1,200 by the second half of next year, with the retail price for the device expected to be $2,000.

    does this make sense to anyone, or do i just need more sleep
    Reply
  • masterasia
    A giant iPod Touch. I want one.
    Reply
  • christop
    The price is a deal breaker to me.. Looks cool..
    Reply
  • JMcEntegart
    huh89809This price is expected to drop to around $1,200 by the second half of next year, with the retail price for the device expected to be $2,000.does this make sense to anyone, or do i just need more sleep
    Cost for Apple expected to drop to $1,200, retail price estimated to be $2,000. You know, Apple tax and that. ;)
    Reply
  • deadlockedworld
    A delay? I bet Steve Jobs fired like 20 people over this. :-)
    Reply
  • fonzy
    I'm kinda of glad, the more companies that use OLED the faster the technology will progress and the faster prices will fall....hopefully.

    Reply
  • Abrahm
    I still don't understand why this device is getting so much media coverage...
    Reply
  • Honis
    How can a devices who's very existence isn't official be delayed for a release date that hasn't been made official?
    Reply
  • jmchien
    Uh correct me if my math is wrong, but the 30% panel cost would be for lcd... assuming the cost of the everything but the panel would not change then the addition of a more expensive panel would increase the percentage.
    Ex. computer costs $533 to build with LCD ($400 components + $133 lcd) then replacing with a $500 OLED the cost would be $400+$500 = $900 and the panel would be 55.6% of the total cost.
    unless the parts in the computer scale with the panel (highly doubt), the cost cost should be a few hundred dollars less than the $1500-$1700 prediction
    Reply