Next iPad to Offer 3D Display?

091729 ipad 2 hand

RCR Wireless claims to have multiple sources telling it that Apple is planning on incorporating 3D technology into the next-generation iPad.

The fact that the iPad 3 is 3D is a dead cert, one Hollywood insider close to the big movie studios told RCR, adding that the screen would be the real magic. She went on to say that the big film studios were currently running around like blue arsed flies trying to gear up to release plenty of 3D content in time for Apples next launch.

Besides this "Hollywood insider", they also cite sources from iPad manufacturer Foxconn about the 3D plans.

We're not sure about the reliability of these sources, but Apple has clearly been exploring 3D technology over the years as evidenced by numerous patent applications. Not all of this research has been in the typical 3D technology found in recent movies and television sets. Some of the research has been in pseudo-3D technologies that involve head tracking that was effectively demoed in a recent iPad app. 3D, of course, has also been a big recent trend with the release of many 3D TVs, 3D movies, and Nintendo's 3DS handheld gaming console.

Also interesting is that this isn't the first time this has been suggested. Earlier this year, Japanese blog Mac Otakara cited their own sources who said that Apple's LCD supplier was beginning to manufacture small glasses-free 3D LCD panels for the iPod touch, though they suggested it might involve user head-tracking to accomplish the effect.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

r1dePrkCty Avatar
193 months ago
man i wish 3D would just disappear...
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Blorzoga Avatar
193 months ago
And it will be called:


iPad 3D.

You heard it here first folks.

Actually I heard it first three posts before you.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Consultant Avatar
193 months ago
Worst rumor ever. Sure let's view web pages in 3D (hint: ads will be jumping around).
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rorschach Avatar
193 months ago
No thanks - 3D gives me headaches.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bdkennedy1 Avatar
193 months ago
I don't believe it at all unless Apple completely reinvented it. 3D is a gimmick as it stand today and failed back in the 50's and 80's. It's not natural to watch.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bonfire Avatar
193 months ago
Apple should give us a free bottle of Advil with it.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)