Apple iPad 3 » Gadgetorama

The latest rumours for tomorrow’s Apple event

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Mar 062012

Apple With less than a day to go before Apple’s next major event, a frenzy of last minute rumours are swirling about:

The expected iPad may be known as the iPad HD rather than iPad 3 in a nod to its high-resolution 2048×1536 display.
A big Apple Store event is planned for March 16^th, suggesting that the iPad 3/HD could be available less than 10 days after its announcement.
The iPad 3/HD may come with an Apple dual-core A5X SoC (paired with a more powerful GPU than the A5′s) instead of the rumoured quad-core A6.
More RAM than the iPad 2 is also anticipated.
At least two LTE models (one for AT&T and one for Verizon) could be announced along a third international model sporting a Qualcomm Gobi chip for CDMA/GSM support.
A new Apple TV with 1080p support could also be announced at the event.

Apple will not livestream tomorrow’s event but we will provide regular updates of the event.

Apple to unveil iPad 3 and iOS 5.1 in early February?

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Jan 172012

Apple A new rumour suggests that Apple will announce its next generation iPad along with iOS 5.1 at an event in early February. The Japanese website Macotakara cites “sources and suppliers in Asia” and the U.S. for the report.

The actual launch would then follow in early March (as other rumours have hinted). The delay between announcement and actual launch appears at least partly due to factories shutting down for the Chinese New Year running from January 23^rd to January 28^th.

Recent rumours have suggested that the iPad 3 will come with a quad-core processor, a QXGA (1536×2048) display, and possibly LTE connectivity. Apple is also likely to continue to offer the iPad 2 at a discounted price alongside the iPad 3.

Apple iPad 3 to sport LTE, quad-core processor and HD display?

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Jan 142012

Apple Bloomberg is the latest to report that Apple has begun production of the iPad 3 in preparation for a March availability. The company’s manufacturing partners are gradually ramping up with full volume production scheduled to happen sometime in February.

Citing “three people familiar with the product,” the report suggests that the iPad 3 will sport a number of improvements over the iPad 2. Two sources suggest that the newest iPad will use a quad-core processor. One source added that it will also sport LTE connectivity. The sources also confirmed that a higher-resolution display (likely a Retina Display) is also coming.

Apple is apparently adding LTE connectivity to the iPad before it does to the iPhone because the tablet supports a larger battery and can better accommodate the higher power requirements that come with LTE.

A separate report adds that the rumoured IGZO displays “failed in initial supply” and will not be used. Instead, LG Display and Samsung will supply the QXGA (1536×2048) displays. Between the two of them, they could end up supplying some 65 million panels this year.

A number of rumours have suggested that the iPad 3 would be available around March. An announcement could come sooner, perhaps on Steve Jobs’ birthday?

Apple to launch iPad 3 and iPad 4 in 2012?

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Jan 062012

Apple Apple may be gearing up to launch not one but two iPad models this year. According to Digitimes, the iPad 3 will launch in March (supporting earlier rumours) and the iPad 4 will then follow in October.

Reiterating past rumours, the report indicates that the iPad 3 will come with a QXGA (1536×2048 pixels) display (with an IGZO panel?) and better battery life. Other specifications may not be as significant. Apple will also discount the iPad 2 to US$399. With a slew of new Android tablets coming to market, the cheaper iPad 2 will allow Apple to better compete against those.

Apple will then release the iPad 4 around October, around the same time that the first Windows 8 Clover Trail tablets hit the market. Little is known about it but it is expected to sport a 9.7-inch display and “much upgraded hardware specifications and integrated applications.”

Next Apple iPad to use IGZO display?

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Jan 022012

Apple The IPS (in-plane switching) displays used in the current iPhone 4S and iPad 2 could make way for a different type of panel in Apple’s upcoming mobile devices. Citing “sources in Apple’s supply chain,” Digitimes is reporting that Apple will use IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) panels possibly starting with the next-generation iPad.

The IGZO panels are to be provided by Sharp. In preparation for what could be a substantial order, it has reportedly begun switching some of its production capacity for large-size panels to smaller-sized panels suitable for smartphones and tablets.

IGZO panels could allow Apple to offer displays with a resolution of up to 330 dots-per-inch. Given the rumours that the next iPad will feature a higher resolution display, it’s not unlikely that Apple is at least considering this technology. Add to that the fact that IGZO panels would not require dual-bar LED backlighting and offer better power management and the argument gets even more compelling. The catch: IGZO panels apparently have lower yield rates than IPS ones. Perhaps Sharp has solved this.

Two iPad models to be announced in January?

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Dec 292011

Apple Digitimes is reporting that Apple will its next-generation iPad in January as part of the iWorld (formerly MacWorld) show. In fact, two new models will be unveiled. Together with the iPad 2, the new models will target the entry-level, mid-range and high-end market segments.

Supporting earlier rumours, the rumoured 7.85-inch model will not be announced in January. Instead, both new models will feature 9.7-inch displays (like previous models) but will offer a higher QXGA (1536×2048) resolution and dual-LED light bars to improve brightness). At least one of the new iPads (and perhaps both) will use a quad-core A6 processor (manufactured by Samsung). One model could come with a 5MP camera while the other would sport a higher 8MP camera.

A separate Digitimes report adds that the new high-end model will sport a battery sporting a capacity twice that of the current model. Rather than a 6,500mAh battery, it could use a 14,000mAh one.

Apple has not attended iWorld in the last two years. It’s not clear if the announcement could be made around the time of the event or if Apple would in fact return to unveil its new tablets. It also remains to be seen if the announcements will confirm the new iPads’ launch on Steve Jobs’ birthday.

Rumour: Apple to launch iPad 3 on Steve Jobs’ birthday

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Dec 232011

Apple A new rumour suggests that Apple could launch its next generation iPad on February 24^th to mark Steve Jobs’ birthday. In the past Apple has not tied product announcements to sentimental points in its history. The date also falls on a Friday, a day not normally used by Apple to make announcements.

The Chinese Economic Times report adds that to make the date, Apple suppliers will have to operate through the Lunar New Year holiday, a time when many Asian manufacturers traditionally shut down. Initial production is set for about 4 million units with partners still ramping up:

Because it is a new gadget, it is taking time for makers in the supply chain to raise their yield rates. The sources said all OEM and ODM makers have exercised great caution in ensuring the smooth operations of their production lines.

Rumours so far have only suggested an early 2012 launch (March or April) for the iPad 3 which could come with a high-resolution Retina Display.

The report also suggests that Google may use Taiwan’s Compal Electronics to manufacture its upcoming Nexus tablet.

Source: 9to5Mac

Second generation Asus Eee Pad Transformer to take on Apple iPad 3?

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Aug 052011

Asus According to the Taiwan Economic News, Asus expects that Apple could release the iPad 3 (or the iPad 2 Plus?) as early as this US Thanksgiving (or “or next year” it also points out). Asus also expects that Apple will release it at the same price points as the current iPad 2 and discount the iPad 2 to clear out inventory.

In response, Asus is working on a second generation Eee Pad Transformer geared specifically to take on the new iPad. The report suggests that the new Transformer will be lighter, thinner, and have better battery life than its predecessor. It will also start and shut down faster. Earlier rumours suggested that it would be powered by an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor and Google Android Ice Cream Sandwich.

The report also suggests that Asus will introduce its new tablet at a price point low enough to convince customers that it will not be marked down later to encourage them to buy it sooner.

After overcoming production issues, Asus expects to ship up to 2 million Transformer tablets this year.

Apple iPhone 5 and iPad 3 component production begins?

Posted by Jerome Skalnik Comments Off

Jul 012011

Apple

A new Digitimes report indicates that production is gearing for components to be used in the assembly of the upcoming iPhone 5 and iPad 3. Whereas many rumours have suggested the iPad 3 would not be released until 2012, this report indicates that it could be out as early as October along with the new iPhone 5. Digitimes also adds that its sources indicate only one iPhone model will be launched (supporting comments by one analyst and contradicting those of another).

The report also suggests that between 6 and 7 million iPhone 5′s could be manufactured in Q3 alone and that iPad shipments (including both iPad 2 and 3) could top 15 million in the same quarter.

Apple also appears to be considering a thinner and lighter tablet with a panel with a resolution of 250ppi (pixels-per-inch) and roughly twice that of the current iPad.