iPad 3 rumor roundup

If Apple's usual release schedule is to be believed (as it usually is), we're just about due for another iPad. Naturally, the rumor mill has amped up accordingly - in fact, given the amount of news we've seen hit the wire regarding the phantom product, the only thing that would genuinely surprise us would be if Cupertino just opted to pull out of the tablet space altogether. Given the sort of sales figures the company has been seeing as of late, its seems a pretty safe bet that the company is confident that the old slate's still got a little bit of steam left in her.Yep, the one thing we feel pretty confident in saying at the moment is that Apple most likely has a new iPad in the works and it's most likely coming fairly soon. It also seems like a pretty safe bet that the company goes with the iPad 3 name - but hey, we've been burned there before. If the rumors flooding in from the likes of Digitimes and The Wall Street Journal are to be believed, the slate will bring with it faster internals, a higher res screen, a tapered back and a general smattering of Apple's customary pixie dust. So, what can we expect from the third iteration of the company's crazy popular slate? Not even Samsung knows for sure, but we're breaking down the fire hose of rumors after the break. AnnouncementAnonymous sources over at The Wall Street Journal put the date of Apple's big announcement at the first week of March, which falls right in line with last year's March 2nd event. The fact that stores like Best Buy have begun dropping the price of the iPad 2 only seems to lend credence to that time frame. It was also nice of the company to narrowly miss out on overlapping with Mobile World Congress - though competing trade shows have never stopped the company before. In the grand scheme of things, this is certainly one of the less far fetched of the recent crop of iPad 3 rumors - if not the first week of March, then almost certainly just after. As always, though, we won't know for sure until the suggestive event invitation hits our inbox. As for an actual sale? We're hearing "as early as March." InternalsSouped up internals seems like a no-brainer for the iPad. Apple loves to upgrade its devices to the latest and greatest, and given the ever increasing competition in the space the company helped pioneer, it's certainly in Cupertino's best interest to make the latest iPad as zippy as possible. A Chinese site Weiphone snapped a shot of what it claims is the logic board for the next generation iPad. Sitting right smack dab in the middle is the A5X, an apparent incremental update to the A5 chip sitting inside the iPad 2. Others have dubbed the chip the A6, if only for reasons of basic chronology. And will that A6 chip be a quad-core? Beta code hints that it might could possibly maybe go that way at some point. ExternalsMost of the rumors we've heard thus far don't see a radical aesthetic departure for the forthcoming tablet, nor can anyone seem to agree on whether the device will be thicker or thinner in its next iteration. Rumors swirling around last year had the tablet adding a bit to its waistline, in order to accommodate some of those souped up internals. More recent rumors give the tablet a more beveled appearance. Yeah, we've heard that one before. Display Speaking of things we've seen before, remember when the iPad 2 was going to its own version of the iPhone 4's retina display? The rumor's made a comeback for the iPad 3 launch, this helped along by a supposed side-by-side comparison shot of the two tablets held under a microscope, showing off lots of tiny squares. Certainly it would go a ways towards helping the tablet stand out in the crowd. Wild Cards A new screen size? This one bubbles up every time an iPhone or iPad is on the horizon, and now that different sized tablets have been met with some success, it might be the perfect time for Apple to experiment with a smaller iPad. Rumor has it that the company is working on an 8-inch version of the slate, to complement the good old 9.8 incher. In the past, the company has shied away from oversaturating the marketplace, but there's likely enough demand in the space for the standard iPad and a smaller budget version to peacefully co-exist. The Wall Street Journal's anonymous sources have also let slip Apple's supposed plans to go LTE on the next generation iPad, courtesy of Verizon and AT&T. So, will the tablet beat the company's smartphone to the 4G punch? Only the carriers, Cupertino and a few loose lipped tipsters know for sure. There's also talk of a revamped camera and an end to the classic 30 pin connector across Apple's mobile device. And what about a budget version for students? Given Apple's move to beef up its textbook presence, we wouldn't be particularly shocked if the company dropped the price to make a bigger splash in the classroom.

Imminent iPad 3 launch prompts iPad 2 sale at Best Buy

Apple is all but confirmed to be planning a press conference for March 7th during which it will unveil its next-generation iPad tablet. The iPad 3 is expected to feature a high-definition 2,048 x 1,536-pixel Retina Display along with a faster quad-core Apple A6 processor, embedded 4G LTE, an upgraded rear camera and a redesigned case. There is no question that the new iPad will be a significant upgrade compared to the current model, but not everyone needs the latest and greatest. For those willing to forgo the added speed, embedded LTE and HD display, Best Buy is now offering $50 off every iPad 2 model it carries. Of course buying the iPad 2 now at a $50 discount is a risky move - a number of reports have suggested that Apple will continue to sell its current tablet at a discount of $100 or more once the next-generation iPad 3 launches next month.

Leaked display may be definitive proof of iPad 3 double resolution, 4 times the pixel!

MacRumors claims that they have scored an iPad 3 display. According to their analysis, the new iPad - which should be well into production at this point - will have two times the current generation's resolution: 2,048 x 1,536 pixels. Four times the pixels! That's pretty insane. The current 9.7-inch iPads have 1024 x 768 pixels. That's a density of 132 pixels per inch. If this part turns out to be the real McCoy, the iPad 3 will have two times this resolution: 263.84ppi. It's not the 326ppi of the iPhone 4, but it's really high. If true, the new iPad 3 will have a razor-sharp display. So sharp that you will not to see the pixels from a normal reading distance (which would allow Apple to call it Retina Display, according to their definition). If the iPad 3 really ends with this new display, a similar panel may also make its way to a next generation MacBook Air 11-inches. This new generation of high density screens - along with the new OS X's HiDPI mode already present in the latest Lion update - may also signal a similar resolution jump in the incoming MacBook Pro 2012.

Redesigned iPad 3 with 8-megapixel camera pictured for the first time

Purported images of Apple's next-generation iPad have been published by Chinese language Apple Daily ahead of the new tablet's official announcement. The slate had leaked only in bits and pieces until now, however alleged photos of an assembled iPad 3 show a device that is very much in line with earlier reports. The case is very similar to the one found on the iPad 2, though it has apparently been redesigned with a more gradual taper leading from the back to the edges. Apple Daily also states that the iPad 3 features a 9.7-inch Retina Display, which was confirmed last week, and an 8-megapixel camera as had been rumored previously. Apple is reportedly planning to unveil the iPad 3 at a press conference in early March, and the tablet is also expected to feature a quad-core Apple A6 processor and embedded 4G LTE connectivity.

Apple to unveil quad-core iPad 3 with 4G LTE on March 7th, report claims

Apple plans to unveil its third-generation iPad 3 tablet on March 7th according to a new report. Apple watcher iMore cites unnamed sources in claiming that the Cupertino-based tech giant's next iPad will come equipped with a 2,048 x 1,536 Retina display and a quad-core A6 processor. The site also says Apple's new tablet could come with embedded 4G LTE connectivity. The reported specs mirror countless earlier reports, however this latest claim comes alongside a date for Apple's announcement: March 7th. The timing coincides with earlier reports claiming that Apple plans to unveil the iPad 3 in early March and iMore has a solid track record, so media invitations for Apple's iPad press conference should be distributed soon.

Apple reportedly ordered 65 to 70 million iPad 3 panels

Since the first iPad and the iPad 2 have been hugely successful, Apple certainly has high expectations when it comes to its third-generation iOS tablet, most likely called iPad 3. According to China Times, which quotes an undisclosed Korean publication, Apple has ordered 65 to 70 million iPad 3 panels from Samsung and LG Display, and expects to ship that many new tablets this year. As rumored countless times until now, the new iPad should come with a 10 inch display with 2048 x 1536 pixels, a quad-core processor, and iOS 5.1. The tablet could be officially announced in early March. It remains to be seen if its design has been substantially changed or not.

AT&T and Verizon to sell LTE iPad 3 according to WSJ

Apple's iPad 3 is currently set for a March 7th introduction and will feature 4G LTE, The Wall Street Journal has confirmed. In addition to the faster network support, the iPad 3 is reported to have a Retina Display, improved cameras, and a quad-core processor, among other upgrades.

main page top 10 events archive tags search e-shop cell phones cameras icolour ifashionable contact us What I know about the iPad 3

With Apple's upcoming iPad 3 launch just a few weeks away, reports and rumors have been swirling. We exclusively reported some details on the tablet which The Wall Street Journal has basically confirmed, but here's a round-up using what we know, what's been rumored and reported, and what I'd wager the iPad 3 will feature when it launches early next month: A Retina Display is a near-certainty. This display will offer double the resolution of the iPad and iPad 2, bringing the resolution of the screen to a whopping 2048 x 1536 pixels. This is better than the resolution you get from a 1080p Blu-ray disc, and almost as large as Apple's 27-inch iMac display. Imagine the clarity of an iPhone 4S display three times as big, and you'll get an idea of what to expect with the iPad 3′s screen. Images will look beautiful and text will look as crisp as if it were a magazine that you're reading. 4G LTE. The ability to use the iPad on 4G LTE networks would mark the first time Apple has manufactured a 4G device, and there's a very solid chance that the new iPad will have 4G built-in. This will support AT&T and Verizon's 4G LTE networks in the United States, and it's possible it will support other 4G LTE deployments in other parts of the world depending on frequencies. Better cameras. I'd expect a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera for the rear camera at the bare minimum with a 5-megapixel unit possible, and Apple will also include a front-facing camera that supports HD FaceTime chats. Wi-Fi and Cellular models. Apple will most likely offer two versions of the iPad just as the company does now - a Wi-Fi only and a Wi-Fi + cellular variant, though I'd wager that Apple will be able to combine the GSM and CDMA models into one, offering a truly global 4G + 3G + CDMA + GSM + Wi-Fi iPad 3. Apple A6 quad-core processor. While the rumor mill has been going back and forth about whether Apple will include the company's first quad-core processor for iOS in the iPad 3, I have to say that I expect Apple to do so. Since Apple is on a yearly product cycle, I'd bet that a quad-core processor is featured, setting the stage for an A6 quad-core chip in the iPhone 5 (clocked slightly lower than the iPad's chip) later this fall. A larger battery. It is expected that Apple is going to use a much larger battery in the iPad 3, but before you think that battery life is going to be increased by 50%, I'm assuming this is simply to compensate for a more power-hungry 4G LTE chip, faster processor and more powerful GPU to power that Retina Display. I expect comparable battery life to the iPad 2, though it's certainly possible Apple could push it just a tad bit farther and make it better. The outside hardware of the iPad 3 will most likely be identical to the iPad 2. In fact, the only change that's likely to occur is that the case will be less than 1 millimeter thicker, not something that'll will barely be noticeable. iOS 5.1. This is a no-brainer, but iOS 5.1 will be introduced with the iPad 3 and be released for the iPhone and iPod touch as well. Siri for iPad. I'd wager heavily that the iPad 3 will at least feature Siri's text dictation, though it's certainly possible Apple will bring the full Siri experience to the iPad. The world's most beautiful display on a mobile device, the fastest wireless connection in the world, an industry-leading custom quad-core processor and battery life that's unmatched by the competition - among many other upgrades. Sounds good to me.

iPad 3 may launch on March 7 with LTE, smaller 8-inch iPad in the works too

The latest rumors concerning Apple's upcoming tablet(s) are in, ladies and gentlemen. So let's dive right in. First off, the 8-inch (or rather, 7.85-inch) iPad ‘Mini' has surfaced again. In October last year we first heard that this was being considered by Apple, with the company placing orders for display samples for that size. Then in December it popped up once more, this time in a report claiming it will hit the streets in late 2012. And it looks like that still might happen. Apple is said to be working with component suppliers in Asia on a new tablet with a screen smaller than that on the now-selling iPads. Officials at some of Apple's suppliers claim to have seen several screen designs for a device with a screen size of around 8 inches. Apparently, Apple is in the process of choosing suppliers for it. One person said that the smaller iPad will have a screen resolution identical to that of the iPad 2 (and iPad before it). That of course makes a lot of sense, since Apple doesn't like to change aspect ratios (in fact it has never done so with its mobile products yet) or screen resolutions too often. And even when there was a bump in screen resolution (in the iPhone 4), the aspect ratio was kept intact. This ensures that apps are readily compatible with the new hardware. And so it would be very plausible for Apple to keep the 1024×600 resolution for the smaller iPad. The decrease in size will mean that the screen will be sharper anyway. So a smaller iPad may be on its way. Or Apple could decide to can the whole project. Apple is known to test new products and new product designs all the time, and most of those don't ever make it onto the market. So while the information you just read may be true as of today, it doesn't necessarily mean we'll see an iPad Mini in a few months. But it does leave room for the possibility. Apple surely doesn't like how the Amazon Kindle Fire, with its 7-inch screen and low price, is cannibalizing iPad sales, and a smaller (and thus cheaper) iPad might be a great tool to slow Amazon's growth in tablets. We also have new information regarding the iPad 3, the upcoming successor to the iPad 2 (which will keep the 9.7-inch screen size). We have previously heard that it would be announced (alongside iOS 5.1) in the first week of March, and now we even have a prospective date: March 7. This date comes from two people that have been quite reliable in the past, and from sources they claim have been reliable too. So we feel like this is just a teeny weeny bit more than a rumor at this point. There will be a version of the iPad 3 with 4G LTE connectivity baked in alongside Wi-Fi. This will be sold subsidized by both AT&T and Verizon in the States, and presumably by some Canadian carriers as well. The new iPad's display will probably have 2048×1536 resolution and will be marketed by Apple as a Retina Display. The processor inside the new tablet will be a quad-core Apple-designed A6 unit. Of course we've heard about the display change and the new processor for a very long time now, and this just comes to confirm the details yet again. March 7 is in less than a month, and that's when the mystery will be put to rest for good. Until then, all that's left for you to do is feel the anticipation growing by the day.

iPad 3 design revealed as new wave of parts leak; Retina Display possibly pictured

More details surrounding the design of Apple's upcoming iPad 3 have been revealed as images of a variety of internal components have been published online along with new images of the tablet's rear shell and possibly Apple's new Retina Display as well. Following reports on Wednesday that emerged surrounding a purported image of the iPad 3′s rear case, Cult of Mac has published higher-quality images of the same component along with a number of additional internal parts. While the various components pictured in the new leak show significant differences in many instances compared to their counterparts in the iPad 2, the external design of the upcoming iPad 3 looks like it will only offer a few minor differences compared to the current model, in line with earlier reports. Read on for more. Separately, Japanese blog Macotakara has published an image of a 9.7-inch display panel with 2,048 x 1,536-pixel resolution. The panel is not confirmed to be destined for the iPad, the size, timing and alignment with earlier rumors certainly suggest this is the case. Apple's next-generation iPad 3 is expected to launch early next month. Rumors suggest the new tablet will be an incremental upgrade that features a quad-core A6 processor, a new high-definition Retina Display and an upgraded camera. Additional images follow below. Read  Read

Alleged iPad 3 case pics point to bigger battery and new display

We're all pretty eager for Apple to announce the iPad 3, if only to put a stop to the rumors and leaks that we've been hearing since the launch of iPad 2. That said, now that we're apparently getting close to the actual unveiling of the device, the rumors are getting pretty juicy. The latest comes courtesy of Repair-Labs, 9to5Mac and Apple.pro. 9to5Mac claims that there are iPad 3 shells ‘floating around China,' where the devices are manufactured, and all three sites have obtained their own photos of the casings. Repair-Labs shows the iPad 3 shell next to that of an iPad 2 for reference and says the case points to a larger battery, a new camera, and an LCD different to the display currently in the iPad 2 (possibly a Retina display). 9to5Mac obtained its own high resolution photo of one of these casings showing the inside of what purports iPad 3′s clothing, alongside the old iPad 2, while Apple.pro has posted the only image of the outside of the shell. Obviously, it's impossible to verify the authenticity of these photos, but there does seem to be an awful lot of the cases floating around, which suggests the device is well into production. Either way, the latest rumors are saying we'll see an iPad 3 announcement in the first week of March, so we don't have long to wait to find out.

Apple reportedly rushing to find apps to show off iPad 3 Retina Display

Apple is in “crunch mode” to line up apps that will be used for on-stage demonstrations during the company's iPad 3 launch event, which is said to be scheduled for early next month, TheNextWeb reports. The Cupertino-based company is now looking for apps that will show off the stunning quality of the iPad 3′s high-resolution Retina Display. Apple works with partners to hand-pick apps that highlight the capabilities of new devices during major announcements, and the selection process for Apple's iPad 3 is now said to be nearing its final phase.

Multiple anonymous sources point to an iPad 3 announcement in the first week of March

Is the long, treacherous wait for the iPad 3 nearly at an end? That's what anonymous sources tell All Things D. The site caught wind that an Apple event next month will host the announcement of the company's latest tablet. The event is said to be slated for the first week of March at that popular Apple haunt, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco — and seeing as how last year's event was held on March 2nd, that timing doesn't seem all that crazy to us. As for an actual release date, said sources are a bit less chatty.

Leaked iPad 3 parts suggest larger battery, 4G LTE, and Retina Display in same form factor as iPad 2

The next-generation iPad will feature a larger battery and a new camera, according to RepairLabs. The website obtained what it claims to be the rear shell of the upcoming iPad 3 from an industry insider in China. After examining the shell and comparing it to an iPad 2 case, RepairLabs noticed the mounts for the logic board were quite different, meaning the board itself will likely be a different shape. The rear case also apparently reveals that the iPad 3 will include a larger battery pack, in line with earlier rumors. The device is also expected to have a “different camera” as well, and the site suggests the front display will also be new. There has been speculation that the next-generation iPad would be slightly thicker, but the site claims that could be false after examining the rear case. Apple is expected to unveil the iPad 3 next month.

iPhones, iPad 3G pulled from online Apple Store in Germany following ban

Apple's aggressive litigation strategy against Android vendors over the past year has seen precious little return considering the huge investment it reportedly requires, and on Friday things took another turn south for the Cupertino, California-based technology giant. A court in Germany has issued a permanent injunction against the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, upholding a ruling issued in December. Online sales of the phones have been banned in the country, and Apple has removed the devices from its German website. All iPhone models and iPad 2 models are still available for sale at local retailers, FOSS Patents reports. The ban is the result of a patent complaint filed against Apple by Motorola Mobility in Germany, claiming Apple's iOS devices with embedded 3G connectivity infringe a Motorola patent related to UMTS technology. Earlier this month, Motorola filed a new complaint in Germany targeting Apple's latest smartphone, the iPhone 4S.

iPad 3 to come with quad-core A6 processor, LTE?

Ready for another rumor about the upcoming iPad 3? Here we go. Someone claiming to be in possession of said tablet has sent BGR some screenshots showing output from a development and debug tool called iBoot. From those photos, some details about the iPad 3′s hardware can easily be inferred. First off, it looks like the previous rumors were true and the iPad 3 will have a quad-core processor, probably one that is going to be called A6 by Apple. The CPU has the model number S5L8945X. The dual-core A5 found in the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S has the model number S5L8940X, and the A4 seen in the original iPad, the iPhone 4, and the iPod touch 4th generation is the S5L8930X. There will be two different iPad models (J1 and J2), one of which will have Wi-Fi-only connectivity (as you'd expect), the other however coming with GSM/CDMA/LTE mobile data support as well. If that will be just one SKU to pull off working on three different network types on who knows how many bands worldwide, that would be quite the feat indeed. Even if there will be different SKUs for different mobile data types (like what we see now with the iPhone, for example), the LTE support is notable (though we've heard about it before).

Photos show quad-core iPad 3 processor, Wi-Fi and global LTE options

A source claiming to be in possession of an iPad 3 prototype provided BGR with images containing details about Apple's highly anticipated third-generation tablet. From the data in the photos, which contain the output from an iPad 3 using a development and debug tool called iBoot, we can infer plenty of information about the upcoming iPad 3. For starters, the model numbers are J1 and J2 (iPad3,1 and iPad3,2), and while DigiTimes reported this a few weeks ago, these two models are not different devices, just a single iPad available in two versions - one with Wi-Fi only and one with Wi-Fi and embedded GSM/CDMA/LTE for all carriers. Also included in the photos is, for the first time, confirmation of which processor Apple will be using in the iPad 3: an A6 processor with model number S5L8945X. For reference, the Apple A4 model was S5L8930X and the A5 is S5L8940X. The new processor will also apparently be a quad-core model, making the upcoming iPad 3 the fastest iOS device ever, we have been told.

Are iBook 2's high-res images meant for the iPad 3?

Apple's iBook 2 app comes with some interesting media bundled in it. Developers have uncovered high resolution images that seem designed for use in a Retina display but the iPad 2 doesn't have one. Is this evidence that the iPad 3 will? The pictures are denoted with “@2x” in their filename and at, 2048x1536 pixels, they are double what the iPad 2 can natively display. What's more, they display at 260 pixels per inch (PPI). That's not quite the 300PPI that the latest iPhones can do - and what Apple has said officially constitutes a Retina display - but still dense enough to fool your eyes at the increased viewing distance. This isn't the first time that Apple's leaked @2x pictures. An earlier version of iBooks (version 1.1) included similar pictures back in 2010, which led to speculation that the forthcoming iPad 2 could have a Retina display. So, is Apple prepping for a surprise iPad 3 launch or is someone on the iBook development team just trolling us?

iPad 3 double-resolution images found in latest iBooks app

Still wondering whether Apple will indeed launch a new iPad in the near future with an HD Retina Display? Well, thanks to a tipster, we were able to locate double-resolution iPad images in the latest iBooks app for the iPad. Apple's next-generation iPad 3 is rumored to feature a high-definition 1,536 x 2,048-pixel display along with a quad-core Apple A6 processor, 4G LTE support and twice the battery life of the iPad 2. UPDATE: Looks like images like these have been in the iBooks app for quite some time. Maybe Apple just isn't bothering to remove them since they'll have to add them right back in March? UPDATE 2: It seems that a few of these Retina Display-sized iPad images are indeed new, scattered amongst the old files. Thanks, Brendan!

Rumor: Apple planning iPad 3 event for February

Though Apple's got an event planned for tomorrow morning, you'd be forgiven if you're not jumping up and down with excitement. Though the announcement will be extremely important and will no doubt affect the publishing and education industries in a huge way, it hasn't garnered the quite the level of anticipation that we see with iPad and iPhone launch events. However, if the latest to come out of the Apple rumor mill is correct, that level of excitement is just a few weeks away. Japanese blog Macotakara has kicked off the latest ipad 3 rumor with a report that Apple is planning another media event for February. According to a translation from MacRumors, Macotakara cites an Asian supplier and a source in United States in reporting that Apple is preparing for an early-February event. This event is believed to be the iPad 3 launch event and will also apparently feature iOS 5.1. The timing is about right. Apple announced the first iPad in January of 2010, and the iPad 2 was announced in March. As such, a February release is not only plausible, but almost expected at this point. Of course, Apple hasn't confirmed or denied anything, so let's take this one with a massive grain of salt and the ‘wait and see' approach. In the meantime, you can catch all the latest new on tomorrow's event right here, so stay tuned!