Production for iPad 3’s Retina Display has begun. And, Apple has roped in three companies, in their jump from 1024 x 768 resolutions to 2048 x 1536.

“It’s happening–QXGA, 2048×1536. Panel production has started [for the next-generation iPad].” Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch, said who was interviewed by Cnet. Shim confirmed other reports that cite three companies, Samsung, Sharp, and LGD.

“It takes a couple of weeks for the production to go to the ODMs (the manufacturers). Then the manufacturer puts them in the housing. Then, that goes off to shipment. We could start seeing finished devices produced in December, and then being ready to be shipped in January. With volumes gearing up in February and March”, Shim said. Shim also speculated this Retina Display will be based on LCD technology with in-plane switching (IPS) rather than AMOLED.

The exact name of the new iPad is still a mystery. It could be iPad 3, or iPad HD, or who knows what else. In any case, Apple will most likely announce the new tablet in early 2012.