Apple could roll out the iPad 3 in March 2012, which is no surprise considering its right around the time the company has launched its previous two tablets. But the third-generation iPad reportedly features a smaller dock connector that could cause some compatibility with existing Apple gadgets.
Macotakara claimed according to a “reliable Asian source” that Apple is rushing the iPad 3 into production. It wants the device ready by the end of January, but production will be interrupted by the Chinese New Year holidays, which last from Jan. 22-28, slightly earlier than usual.
As far as what the revised dock goes, Macotakara said it will have the same number of pins as the current-gen iPad, but it will be smaller. That could create problems connecting with Apple products that use the current, larger connector.
Macotakara said the iPad 3 will have the same sized screen as the iPad 2, but it could not say whether or not the device would get upgraded to a retina display.
There is mounting evidence that Apple is ready to kick off production on the iPad 3. All Things D reported last week that evidence in supply chains (such as increased iPad orders) suggests the rumored device is headed into production. It also predicted that the device will appear sometime in March. The iPad 2 was released on March 11 of this year.
It’s also been rumored that the iPad 3 will be lighter and thinner. But how will it be priced, especially now that Amazon has announced the highly-anticipated Kindle Fire tablet? Priced at $199, it’s been widely speculated that the 7-inch tablet will be the first device to give the iPad a run for its money.
That said, according to Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White, Apple will debut a cheaper iPad in addition to the iPad 3 in order to keep a competitive edge.
Apple, of course, declined to comment on the rumors.