WSJ: iPad 3 with Retina display launching early 2012

Apple does indeed plan to launch its third-generation iPad with a Retina display in early 2012, says a credible The Wall Street Journal.

The Cupertino, Calif., company has ordered key components such as display panels and chips for a new iPad it is aiming to launch in early 2012, said the people, who declined to be named. 

The next generation iPad is expected to feature a high resolution display - 2048 by 1536 compared with 1024 by 768 in the iPad 2 - and Apple's suppliers have already shipped small quantities of components for the sampling of the iPad 3.

While most have thought the iPad 3 would finally be the model that supports Apple's Retina display, this new report adds the most credibility, so far, to any rumors. In addition, this all but confirms that Apple has no plans to release a new iPad this year. 

The Wall Street Journal does add that Apple plans to keep the screen size at the same 9.7-inch measurement.