We’re not even in 2012 yet, but it seems that the iPad 3 rumor mill is
The latest rumor: Apple is preparing two new iPad models for a January
debut, sources tell the Taiwanese news site Digitimes (which has
recently been off the mark quite a bit with Apple rumors).
Previously, we expected Apple to announce the iPad 3 in February or
March for an April release.
The new iPads will fill in the mid-range and high-end tablet segment
for Apple, with both sporting high-resolution displays and Apple’s new
quad-core A6 processor, the sources say. The existing iPad 2 will
remain unchanged and be positioned as a low-end entry to compete
against the Kindle Fire (though I can’t imagine Apple would drop its
price below $250).
Uncharacteristically for Digitimes, its report is filled with plenty
of interesting details. For example, the site reports that both new
iPads will feature dual-LED light bars to increase brightness. The
high-end iPad 3 will feature an 8-megapixel camera, while the
mid-range is said to feature a 5-megapixel shooter. Contrary to
previous reports, both new models will stick with 9.7-inch screens,
rather than smaller displays.
But while the added details lend some legitimacy to the report,
Digitime also reports that Apple will unveil the new iPad models at
the Macworld iWorld conference in late January, which rings false
since the company hasn’t participated in the conference for years.
Perhaps things could change next month, but right now there’s no
reason to believe Apple would head back to Macworld when its own press
events gather plenty of attention.