Apple was supposedly set to launch its iPad 3 in the second half of 2011 with a supply volume of 1.5-2 million units in the third quarter and 5-6 million in the fourth quarter, but Apple’s supply chain partners have recently discovered that the related figures have all already been deleted, as sources pointed out.

Apple’s supply chain partners in Asia are making a note that the Apple iPad 3 launch may delay due to some production problems and constraints of making the higher-resolution screens.  Originally the iPad 3 was expected to launch this November.  Sharp is the only company capable of making these display panels with reliability. Having said that, Apple partners Samsung and LG have been unable to reach adequate production levels for their displays as well. Reports say that due to its high-end requirements and conflicts with the display panel’s technology, this could cause a delay in iPad 3’s launch.

The new iPad that is supposedly packing an improved retina display, rendering it a pricier option than the current iPad 2.  The information comes from Taiwan Economic News, reporting that the 3^rd generation of iPads will consider pricing higher than the iPad 2. This shift is equivalent to the jump made from the first gen iPad to the iPad 2, when the original iPad prices were cut by $100.

As users wait in anticipation for Apple’s next amazing tablet, many will ponder on the latest features that will be packed into the iPad 3.  But as usual, Apple’s keeping mum. Nevertheless, customers are holding out perhaps due to the iPad 3’s reported ability to output HD quality resolution and camera thanks to a new juiced up processor. The display comes with a 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution display that can enable HD 1080p capability for watching high def movies on its 9.7 inch LCD screen.

The screen would be among the highest performing in the world, yet must be manufactured by the millions for a relatively low cost. Apple doesn’t make its own display (among other things), so it’s at the mercy of EOMs like Sharp. And if Sharp says “if anybody could do it, we do it, we could—– but we can’t,” Apple has no choice but to take hit and delay its product.

As far as nailing down an actual release date, the latest rumors suggest that the next generation tablet will be out in late September, following the launch new iPhone 5. Other reports indicate that the iPad 3’s A6 processors may not be ready in time for release until early 2012.