Apple’s third generation iPad looks to be something of a major upgrade in terms of hardware, namely because the tablet is rumored to feature a Retina display. Such a display has already premiered on the iPhone and iPod touch, and now Apple apparently wants to launch a 264 p.p.i. display on the iPad. In a recent report from CNET, some details on the display have been published online.

According to the website:

The closest that iPad display manufacturers like LG Display and Samsung can get is 2048×1536 resolution display, according to the source. That’s a PPI of 264, twice the 132 PPI on the iPad 2.

But whether manufacturers can make them in volumes that Apple demands is the question. “They have production plans for 2,048×1,536 displays. Starting in November. But those are only plans at this point,” said the source, referring to LG and Samsung.

“It’s not a question of making just one. That, of course, can be done. The challenge is making lots of them,” the source said. “This is a quantum leap in pixel density. This hasn’t been done before.”

If manufacturers are not able to hit the volumes necessary for the higher resolution, there is an interim option of 1,600×1,200, according to the source.

The display is also expected to have a brightness of 550 nits. That’s pretty bright, as the typical laptop display panel tops out at about 350 nits.

A Retina display for the iPad is definitely a feature that will push Apple fans to buy the tablet. But obviously whether it’s possible to produce iPads equipped with this kind of display remains to be seen. We’ll keep you posted.