Advertisement

iPad 3 leaks suggest Apple will begin shipping tablet in early March

You'll have to take the latest Apple rumour for what it is, but if the leaks are true, the highly anticipated iPad 3 will be ready to ship in early March.

A report from Geek.com indicates that the iPad 3 is expected to hit the shelves around the same time as last year's iPad 2. Tech sites such as Mac Daily News, Know Your Cell and Mobile Marketing Watch are reporting a Q1 release as well, but one blog is adding an interesting twist to the supposed release date.

"We have heard from other sources that Apple would launch iPad 3 on the birthday of Steve Jobs (February 24) to give him another tribute," reports Monis from iPhone Help. "Though, these are only rumors and none of the source seems authentic about it."

The Geek.com report accredits the leak to "Asian supply chain sources," who reveal that Apple has split production of the iPad 3 between two companies: Pegatron and Foxconn.

"Foxconn will be driving 85% of the iPad 3′s production, with Pegatron picking up 15%," shares Will Shanklin in the report. "This is similar to the division that Apple went with for the iPhone 4S, so it sounds feasible."

In true Apple form, the tech giants have remained tight-lipped on a release date and specs, but there's reason to believe the iPad 3 will boast an improved display.

"Nearly everyone expects this to be the year that Apple goes 'Retina' — 2048×1536 resolution at 264 pixels per inch — with the iPad, and leaks have supported that," explains Shanklin. "If the next-gen iPad does have that Retina display, then it may need a bigger battery to power it. Leaks have also supported that."

Production of the iPad 3 is sure to be affected by the Chinese New Year, but Shanklin is still confident in a release date pegged for the late stages of Q1.

"Chinese New Year celebrations are earlier than usual this year, which throws a wrench into iPad production," reveals Shanklin. "2012, the year of the Dragon, has the festivities starting on the evening of January 22, and ending on February 6. That's a prime time slot for iPad production; one which is likely being compensated for by starting production earlier."

(Getty photo)