iPad 3

The next iPad could come complete with its own high definition Retina display as Samsung and LG have both allegedly submitted hardware to Apple for testing. According to a report by the Korea Times both companies are vying for iPad business as Apple readies the third generation of its tablet computer.

Previous reports suggested the iPad 3 could come in two varieties, a standard model and a Pro version which would undoubtedly feature an improved display. Sources at the Korea Times claim the upgraded resolution comes in at 2048 x 1536 pixels, quadruple the screen resolution seen on current iPad models.

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.

WWAD - What Will Apple Do? That is the question on every Apple fanatics mind. The newest rumor via This Is My Next has a new iPad being launched with a slimmer lighter iPhone 5 this fall.

According to an unnamed source, Apple will release the iPad HD, a "pro" tablet sporting a double 2048 x 1536 resolution screen. This supports an earlier report that developers discovered 2048 x 1536 resolution images in the Twitter and Newsstand.framework of iOS 5.

There have been many rumors about Apple releasing a new iPad this year, but many believe it would be foolish for the company to do so with the iPad 2 selling so well. A new iPad aimed at a higher end market wouldn't render the iPad 2 obsolete, it would just offer an alternative to professionals looking to do more with the device. Like This Is My Next points out -- think MacBook and MacBook Pro.

Over the weekend, a now notorious group of hackers named Lulzsec, released the quarry from their latest hacking endeavor to the public. One of the released items, a leaked internal document from AT&T, was interpreted by the blog iFans to contain indications that AT&T will be testing an LTE-capable iPad as part of their coming LTE rollout.

It is important to note that the leaked document doesn't specifically mention the iPad 3, or an "LTE iPad". It does, however, include the iPad as a device that will be tested as part of the LTE rollout. The portion of the document in question is specifically related to LTE rollout and LTE testing, and the inclusion of the iPad in this list is what is being interpreted as a hint that the coming iPad 3 will support LTE.

Developers working with Apple's unreleased iOS 5 software have uncovered more details about the next-generation iPad device, and the possibility that the iPad 3 may feature "Retina Display." TechUnwrapped reports that iOS 5 for iPad contains 1,536 x 2,048 resolution images in the Twitter and Newsstand.framework, which is double the image size displayed by current iPad models (1024 x 768 pixels).

TechUnwrapped says if this larger resolution is intended for the next iPad then it will most likely feature Retina Display, however, since the images can only be found in the Twitter.framework, it doesn't support the belief that the next-generation iPad will launching with iOS 5 this fall.

Code files for USB devices in Apple's upcoming iOS 5 firmware refrence two iPad 3 models, a pair of iPhone 5 models, but no iPod touch 5. While inspecting the USB device files the tech site TUAW discovered system files for the iPad3,1 and iPad3,2.

The iPad 2 currently has three models iPad2,1 (Wi-Fi), iPad2,2 (GSM), and iPad2,3 (CDMA); the exclusion of a third iPad 3 model in iOS 5 suggests that the rumored next generation world-mode iPad with both GSM and CDMA radios may be a reality.

TUAW notes that model registrations do not always lead to a product releases -- Like the iPhone 3,2 which never became a product.

From the iPhone 5 being announced, to a second iPad being released in 2011, it seems like the Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off this Monday, has the rumor mill churning. Here is the latest:

Today the Asian research firm CLSA put visions of iPad 3s dancing in Apple fanboys and fangirls' heads.

"While most vendors appear fixated on matching the specs and features of iPad 2, our checks suggest Apple will release iPad 3 in time for the holiday season, sporting a better display and LTE capabilities."

But will Apple really release a second iPad in 2011? Especially when they're having trouble keeping the iPad 2 in stock? Daring Fireball's John Gruber predicted they would in February, and Techland claims he "tends to be accurate with Apple predictions and has solid sources within the company." However, DigiTimes said in April that an iPad 3 being released this year may be "wishful thinking and misreporting."

"Sources from touch panel makers pointed out that Apple recently released its latest tablet PC plan and is asking the panel makers to provide products that are capable to support higher image quality than the current iPad 2 and Apple may even choose AMOLED panel or panel that support Full HD standard to accomplish the plan. However, since the project is still at the initial planning stage, the actual products are unlikely to appear in 2011."

Most of the rumors we hear lately revolve around the upcoming release of the iPad 2. Now it seems that Apple may have a plan in the works to accelerate the iPad release schedule starting with a third generation tablet this fall. A pre-holiday release for the iPad 3 would align the device with the current iPod touch annual refresh.

Speculation and inside information from multiple sources including TechCrunch and Daring Fireball point to Apple's release schedule changing to insure competitors to the iPad don't have any time to gain a foothold in the market. The Wall Street Journal has confirmed the iPad 2 is already in production at Foxconn, although an announcement of the updated hardware has yet to arrive.