+iPad 3 rumours, iPad 3 rumours: what you need to know. Updated: Release date, specs and more for the next iPad. The iPad 2 has been out since the Spring. So now it's time tomove the rumour factory onto iPad 3.
We've gathered together details on its possiblespecifications including chips, cameras and retina displays - with a little bit of help from mysterious, unnamed people who can't possibly be identified.
How very convenient. So what's the word on the street about the next iPad?
We've put together a video wishlist of the features we'd like to see in the next iPad
iPad 3 release date
Although numerous sources such as Reuters reported that the new iPad 3 is due in the fourth quarter of 2011, the signs are it will be early in 2012.
On 1 July, Digitimes reported that Taiwanese-based component suppliers were gearing up for production of iPad 3. In October 2011 it was later reported that production would certainly start before the end of the year.
However, during August, a rumour broke that Apple was set to delay the launch of the iPad 3, due to a shortage of retina displays from its suppliers LG and Samsung - more on the display shortly.
Interestingly, on 3 November 2011, DigiTimes suggested that the Spring's new iPad would, in fact, be a revised iPad 2, with a brand new iPad design due later in 2012.
The iPad 3 UK release date is a mystery
With Apple unable to meet initial demand for iPad 2, we'd expect a staggered release date for the iPad 3 too: Apple will most likely follow the pattern it has with the previous two iPad launches and have a US release first, followed by a UK release days later.
The iPad 3 specs include a dual-core processor...
It's possible that the iPad 3 will have a brand spanking new processor, Apple's A6 - which will surely be a quad-core ARM-based processor.Quad-core designs are imminent from all ARM partners.
iPad 3 display
A retina display was widely predicted for the iPad 2, but of course the current iPad doesn't have a double-resolution display: for now, that's something you'll only get in the iPhone 4. Could an iPad 3 Retina Display be on the way? It's the very first thing on our iPad 3 wish list.
The exciting news is that itlooks as thoughit is happening, with Apple reportedly testing suppliers' current shipments of 2048 x 1536 resolution 9.7-inch displays.
However, rumours continued over the summer and autumn of 2011 that the retina display in the iPad 3 was continuing to be a challenge.
Rumours of an HD screen on the iPad 3 gathered pace on 12 April 2011 when Digitimes reported that Apple is asking panel makers to provide screens that are capable of displaying higher image quality than the iPad 2.
Back in May 2011, we reported that the iPad 3 could launch with a Samsung-made AMOLED screen, following rumours that Apple has been in talks on the matter with Samsung execs. There have also been more LG and Samsung rumours, too.
On 15 June we reported that the iOS 5 code hinted at a Retina Display for iPad 3.
Will the iPad 3 have a smaller dock connector?
Parts previewed on some websites indicate that, although the iPad 3 will still have a 30 pin dock connector, the packaging is streamlined. Well, if this is true, we knew it would happen sooner or later.
The iPad 3 hardware could include an NFC chip
Apple's very interested in Near Field Communications, and one particularly tasty rumour at Cult of Mac suggests that the iPhone 5 will use NFC to take over nearby Macs, enabling you to use your data and settings with a flick of the wrist.
The iPad 3 specifications will include more storage
The iPad 2 has the familiar 16/32/64GB storage options, but as flash storage comes down in price a 128GB option for the iPad 3 isn't impossible - although that might depend on the current horrible situation in Asia, where natural disasters have caused chaos in parts of the electronics industry.
The iPad 3 features could include a Thunderbolt port
Two generations of USB-free iPads suggest that Apple just isn't interested in adding one, but the new Thunderbolt port found in the 2011 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air could be another story: it's a combined accessory/display connector with astonishingly fast performance.
There could be more than one iPad 3
TUAW says the iOS 5 code features new code files for USB devices in the iOS 5 firmware, Through this, TUAW found references to an iPad 3,1 and an iPad 3,2.
The iPad 3 could be made by someone other than Foxconn
Apple was said to be in talks with another Far Eastern manufacturer as the release of the iPad 3 nears. Digitimes says that as there was a fire at usual supplier Foxconn in May, Quanta Computer and Pegatron Technology could benefit.
On 1 August it was reported that a contract had definitely gone to Pegatron rather than Foxconn.
The iPad 3 specs might include an SD card slot
This was widely predicted for iPad 2 and, like the retina display, didn't materialise. One for version 3, perhaps? Using a separate adapter to read camera cards is rather inelegant and clunky.
The iPad 3 specification should include a better camera
The rear-facing camera on the iPad 2 isn't brilliant: an iPhone 4S-style camera and flash would do nicely.
iPad 3 gesture controls
Could iPad 3 have Kinect-style gesture controls? We're not so sure, but rumours suggested so in late October 2011.
The iPad 3 could feature a carbon fibre case
Apple has hired a carbon fibre expert, senior composites engineer Kevin Kenney, fuelling speculation that the next iPad could be encased in the lightweight material.
Source:techradar
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