Early this week we reported how a research analyst Richard Shim said that Apple has contacted Sharp as one among the three companies for its production of 10 inch QXGA display panels with a resolution of 2048×1536. According to him the display will not be AMOLED based this time but can employ a new technology, In-Plane Switching (IPS). Now Wall Street Journal is saying that Apple has spoken to Sharp for supplying the LCD displays for iPad 3. The next generation tablet PC featuring crystal clear Retina Display and a faster processor is expected to launch by March next year.

Earlier reports claimed that Apple struck a billion dollar deal with Sharp for it to supply the Cupertino company with displays. WSJ said,

“The person also said Apple is also investing in facilities at Sharp’s panel manufacturing factories in Japan, without specifying the amount being invested, highlighting Apple’s plans to work with multiple component makers to ensure that it can secure enough parts to make its popular iPhones and iPads. Osaka-based Sharp makes liquid crystal displays, which are widely used in tablets, smartphones and flat-screen televisions. Sharp already supplies LCD panels for Apple’s iPhone smartphones, according to the person. The company will be supplying panels for the next iPhone, which is also expected to launch sometime next year, the person added.”

Now, what is the most inquisitive aspect of this report? That Sharp is not only providing LCDs for the fifth generation iPhone but is also involved in creating the displays of current iPhones like 4S and the updated 8GB iPhone 4. iPad 3 is rumored to pack in better resolution on a 10 inch screen and will give its users a great web experience. iPhone 5 if it comes at all, can support a 4 inch display and aluminium casing. As we reported earlier, WSJ had written that iPhone 5 will be a radical new design with novel features.