iPad 2 as 'One More Thing' at iOS 4.3 Event Next Week, Source Claims

Apple may unveil the iPad 2 as its famous “one more thing” at an event scheduled to kick off next week, a source with ties to the iPad accessories market has learned.

Sources from the accessories business are telling the folks at Macnotes.de that Apple plans to host a special event next week, focusing on the rumored new subscription model for iPad magazines and newspapers.

The event is believed to showcase some new capabilities with iOS 4.3, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system.

The software is currently at its third beta release within Apple developer circles, and may well reach “final” status by next week, provided that all known bugs are fixed in good time.

With iOS 4.3, Apple is rumored to kick off a new subscription model for applications like The Daily, an iPad-exclusive digital newspaper launched earlier this week by News Corp. and Apple Inc.

The event at which Apple is presumed to make this unveiling may also feature the official introduction of the iPad 2, Macnotes speculates.

Citing the same sources that allegedly leaked all this information, the blog goes to dish out iPad 2 hardware specs, including an Apple A5 processor - “a completely new processor that is going to replace the Apple A4 soon.”

Apple’s next-gen tablet is going to look like a bigger iPod touch, the sources allegedly said, and “Even the speaker grill on the back of the device is going to become true,” the blog claims.

Finally, Apple is allegedly including a Mini DisplayPort with the iPad 2, not a micro USB as many hoped, the source added.

Needless to point out, this all sounds like speculation based on recent rumors, as almost none of the above information is new.

Should Apple decide to hold a press event next week, select members of the media may receive their invitations as soon as today.

The company still has the weekend to do so, but (in all honesty), it seems like a bit of a stretch if it doesn’t happen by day’s end.