The iPad 2 only got released earlier this year, but the Apple rumor mill has already moved on to the next one; the iPad 3, where discussions are already well under way in terms of technical specifications, retina displays and everything else that people felt was missing in the iPad 2.
We have tried to collate the latest rumors around the iPad 3 right here to give you an easy overview of the rumor mill. Browse further down and you will find the latest news stories around the iPad 3 as well.
iPad 3 release date
Apple usually sticks to a yearly upgrade cycle, but things change and markets change, and now it looks like we might see the iPad 3 as early as in the 4th quarter of this year.
Digitimes earlier this summer reported that Apple component suppliers were already gearing up for production of the iPad 3 and the iPhone 5, whilst a more recent report indicate that component shortage for the iPad 3 in the market has pushed a release back until sometime after Thanksgiving, which will cut things very close to Christmas.
Inside the iPad 3
If the iPad 3 is release this year then it is very likely that it will feature the same, or similar, A5 dual core chip that is found in the iPad 2, as it is believed that the A6 quad core processor will not be available early enough for a release this year. Initial expectations at this stage would be for no big changes to the internals of the iPad.
There is however rumors around some hardware improvements, including NFC (Near Field Communications) chip, thunderbolt port, and possibly improved storage to 128gb, although with the iCloud coming it would be odd if Apple focused on increasing the physical storage of the iPad 3, unless it is a model focused more towards business consumers.
iPad 3 design and display
The big expectation from an iPad 3 is of course an improved screen resolution to bring it at least close to a Retina display quality. Rumors are that Apple has been in talks with several display screen manufacturers, including Samsung and LG, about delivering high resolution screens for the iPad (around 300ppi).
Techradar reported a while back that Apple had hired a carbon fibre expert, fueling speculations that the company might be looking to build future models in the lightweight material.
More than one
Speculations around screen sizes for the iPad has been around for a while, but combined with references found by Tuaw in the iOS 5 code referring to two iPad models, it could be an indication that we might be looking at more than one iPad model. Could it be that Apple will be bringing a smaller iPad to market, despite earlier statements dismissing the smaller screen tablets? There has also been speculations around the future of the iPod Touch 5 to possibly be replaced by a slightly larger screen iPad mini instead.
Latest Apple iPad 3 news
Apple rumoured to be testing 8-inch iPad with supply partners
Apple is rumoured to be testing and sourcing an 8-inch display iPad with supply partners in Asia according to the Wall Street Journal. The new and smaller iPad, if it ever makes it to market, could be sitting alongside the iPad 3, expected to be announced in early March. Find out more inside.
Retina display, parts and 7-inch model – a week in the iPad 3 rumor mill
It has been one of the busiest weeks in the iPad 3 rumor mill so far as we have seen rumors of the 7-inch iPad resurfacing and leaked images of what is believed to be the Retina display of the coming iPad 3. Luckily, if rumors are true, we are only weeks away from the truth.
A6 quad-core iPad 3 with LTE set for March announcement [rumor]
The iPad 3 might be set for a March release and include a new quad-core A6 processor and support for LTE mobile networks according to latest rumors. These latest rumors falls nicely in with earlier rumors as well as traditional release cycles for the iPad. Find out more here.
Is the ‘Full HD’ iPad 3 in production already? Latest rumors says yes to all
While CES has been dominating tech news in recent weeks, Apple rumors are never far off, and the latest is all about iPad 3 release date and features, including upgrade to ‘Full HD’ screen, Facetime HD, quadcore chip, and a March release date. Find out more inside.
Next generation iPads set to arrive end of Q1 2012 [rumor]
Sources around the Apple supply chain in the far east is reporting that delivery of parts for the next generation iPad has started already, fueling rumors that the iPad 3 might arrive as early as March next year.
New iPhone, iPad and Apple TV codenames in iOS 5.1 beta
Apple has released iOS 5.1 beta to developers, with the source code revealing references to new iPhone, iPad and Apple TV models. The reference iPhone 5,1 is likely the codename for the next generation iPhone, or iPhone 5 as we have come to know it.
Smaller and thinner iPad(s) with Retina display in store for 2012 [rumor]
Are you waiting for the iPad 3 with Retina display? If so, there are some potential good news as recent reports hints at iPad 3 to get a Retina display that will make the device even thinner than the current iPad 2. Don’t expect it to arrive in the coming months though.
iPad 3 to arrive in March 2012 with a smaller dock connector [rumor]
With the announcement of the iPhone 4S the Apple blog-o-sphere is refocusing on the iPad 3, with the latest from the rumor mill reporting that iPad 3 will receive a smaller dock connector, which is bad news for most current accessories and their owners.
WSJ insight: iPad 3 with Retina in early 2012
The Wall Street Journal is confirming that the Apple iPad 3 will arrive in early 2012 and not this year as earlier believed, citing sources familiar with Apple’s plans within their supply chain in Aisia. Find out more here.
