14 DAY TRIAL // Citing sources from upstream component makers, a Taiwanese publication informs that Apple’s plans for the iPad 3 will not materialize this year, contracting speculative reports that a special fall event this year would see the third-generation of iPads introduced.
The sources specifically said that they have not received any notice for next generation iPad products.
These people have expressed their beliefs that iPad 2 is in no way a transitional product, and that launching a third-generation model this year would not be the best move for the people at Apple.
The Mac maker is still struggling to assemble enough iPad 2 units to fulfill demand.
Should Apple keep its traditional one-year refresh cycle for the iPad, the next version will most likely emerge early next year.
The report in question also notes the possibility that Apple will choose AMOLED technology for the third-generation iPad’s screen, but the same sources quoted on the matter mention this as a double-edged sword as Korea-based Samsung controls most of the AMOLED screen production.
Nonetheless, Apple is said to have shown interest in developing a higher-resolution display for the next batch of tablets it plans to sell.
For now, Apple is focused on selling the iPad 2. The earthquake and tsunamis hitting Japan last month have left key component makers unable to produce the parts that make up the tablet computer.
Cupertino has therefore been forced to look for alternatives, reportedly paying premium to ensure competitors don’t get a chance to satisfy demand by selling their own tablets.
The iPhone 5 is higher on the priority list at Apple, making iPad 3 rumors even less relevant, now that WWDC 2011 is approaching.
While iOS 5 might be previewed at the event, a hardware announcement is not expected, experts say.
With the iPhone 5 pushed to a reported fiscal 2012, who would even dare speculate that a third iPad is launching this year?