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Next-generation iPad rumored to be in production for March release

by Steven Sande Jan 11th 2012 at 3:00PM

It's January, and that means it's time to ramp up the iPad rumors to full frenzy mode. Japanese rumor site Macotakara, which has been surprisingly accurate when it comes to speculation about upcoming iPads, says that the next-generation iPad is now in production in anticipation of a release in March, 2012.

Macotakara's sources in China say that Foxconn and Pegatron will share production of the new iPad, with Foxconn grabbing a full 85 percent of the orders. The site says that the initial devices will be outfitted with Sharp LCD display panels, allowing 2048 x 1536 resolution without adding weight and thickness to the iPad. As you can see above, the Macotakara has also been accumulating images from Chinese sources of what appear to be replacement parts for the next-generation iPad.

The report from Japan also includes design teasers that are in line with what iLounge's Jeremy Horwitz was stating this week -- the device is visually similar to the iPad 2, and the Smart Cover and other accessories should work with the new iPad. Horwitz reportedly saw an next-generation iPad prototype just before CES, noting that the new device is about 1 mm thicker than the iPad 2 and has a slightly larger opening for the rear camera lens. Horwitz revealed the design of the iPad 2 last year through a similar encounter, so there could be some validity to this rumor.

Horwitz also noted that the prototype he saw could be as much as six months old, so the design could have changed prior to going into production. Speculation about what's under the glass and aluminum of the new device is rampant, with a quad-core A6 being seen as a possibility to power the next iPad. GigaOM's Darrell Etherington even wondered if the device might be given the "iPad 2S" moniker, indicating big changes inside with few cosmetic differences from the iPad 2.

What do you think about these rumors? Would the addition of a quad-core chip make you upgrade from your existing iPad? We want to hear your opinions in the comments.



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7 Comments

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DONNY

I believe the rumors to be accurate.

January 27 2012 at 5:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Michael Rygaard

If it was not clear before book came out, it is clear now apple makes 100's of prototypes or moddels. - will there be an iPad 3.. I bet there will but perhaps we will see an iPad 2s - When if I worked at apple i would have some sort of big announcement to pull out of my.. erhm hat .. rigt after CES - so all forget what they just saw, and started to think about iPad 2s, or the new Apple TV (not ATV).
But they will never bring a half baked produckt to the media, and I dont think they will show anything at CES

January 12 2012 at 2:56 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
thumbyournose

in short, yes. that would meant that apps could take advantage of the increased cpu, meaning, better aps that close the gap even more between a pc and an ipad. i mean, is n't that were it's going anyway?.. that's my hope anyway

January 12 2012 at 12:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ben Pickering

Hmmm... It would take quite a few things for me to upgrade from iPad 2 which is still really fast IMO. Got to be honest though I have been eyeing up windows 8 prototypes as a potential purchase next year....

January 11 2012 at 7:06 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Shawn King

"Horwitz reportedly saw an next-generation iPad prototype just before CES..." Oh come on. Will somebody *please* use their brain?

Who are the only people who would have a "next-generation iPad prototype"? Apple. Do you actually believe Apple would a) bring a prototype to CES, b) show it to iLounge?

Why won't the Mac Web call this what it is - at best, incorrect information and, at worst, complete BS from iLounge and Horowitz.

January 11 2012 at 3:42 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Shawn King's comment
Ben Pickering

the people who have to manufacture them need to see prototypes.... Aka pegatron and Foxconn. Their secrecy isn't as good as apple clearly, I'd believe this. And he doesn't say at CES, he just means before CES started as in date-wise. *please* use your brain before typing dramatic comments
:D

January 11 2012 at 7:10 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Doug D

I need more information. I've still got a first-generation iPad that I'm pretty content with. I don't consider it to be hurting for CPU power, so that's not a motivator for me at all.

The cameras are slightly tempting, but only slightly. (My current iPad has no cameras at all, but my phone does, so I don't find that I care very often.) The retina display is slightly tempting (though I often hold my iPad far enough away that I don't imagine it'll be a big deal). A thunderbolt port would likewise be slightly tempting... basically, if I do get a new one, I can't say it will because of any one single feature. It'll be because of the total package.

(And I'm keeping an eye on other tablets as well. I also already own an Android tablet, though I don't find myself using it very much. Maybe that'll change once CyanogenMod9 is released.)

January 11 2012 at 3:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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