iPad 2 Plus

Is Apple going to release the iPad 3 and 4 in 2012!?! It's not as crazy as it sounds, but the report does come from Asian supply chain watcher DigiTimes; who doesn't have the best track record when it comes to Apple rumors. Citing "Taiwan industry sources," the DigiTimes writes that Apple is prepping to release two iPad models in 2012. The so-called "iPad 3" will feature a QXGA (1,536x2,048 pixels) display and longer battery life. The so-called "iPad 4" will ship with many "upgraded hardware specifications and integrated applications." The iPad 2 will be reduced to $399 to compete with Sony, Motorola Mobility and Samsung Electronics' cheaply priced tablet PCs.

This may sound like a new rumor, but it's actually not. Component suppliers are just using the names "iPad 3" and "iPad 4" to describe what could be the new mid-range and high-end Apple tablets we've been hearing so much about. Previous reports from the supply chain have claimed Apple is working on a "complete iPad series" for 2012. The new iPad line will feature a $299 to $399 entry-level Wi-Fi only iPad, a new mid-range iPad and the high-end iPad 3. The new iPad line is supposedly Apple's plan to compete the Amazon Kindle Fire and Google's rumored new tablet PC.

A Chinese website named Apple.pro, leaked a picture of a new Apple part purportedly from the iPad 3.

The internal component shown below, is labeled 821-1259, which is an increase from the iPad 2 part labeled 1180. Apple.pro thinks that this means the iPad 3 will be a brand-new model with a new design, and not the iPad 2 Plus, or iPad HD as previously rumored. The author also noted a white, outward-facing plug, and pointed to this as proof that the next-generation iPad will probably be offered in the same colors as the iPad 2.

According to Apple Insider, Apple.pro has a so-so record when it comes to Apple leaks. The website previously published early photos of the white and black front panels for the iPhone 4, but in 2009, they reported that Apple was working on a certain MacBook that never materialized.

Apple.pro also mentioned that Apple has launched an internal investigation into leaks, possibly meaning there will be far less in the future.