Report: Apple Tablet Delayed for OLED Panel

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.

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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.