Apple to release iPad 3 in March, iPad 4 following in October

Apple could be preparing to release two new iPads this year. The iPad 3 may be unveiled in March and a secondary tablet, dubbed the iPad 4, could arrive in October, according to Taiwan component makers via DigiTimes.

Update: In addition to the information divulged earlier by DigiTimes, 9to5mac has found references about quad-core processing in iOS 5.1 which is currently in beta. This upcoming OS update from Apple is supposed to be paired with a next-generation iPad 3 and potentially the iPhone 5.

The iPad 3 is expected to ship with a QXGA (2084 x 1536 pixels) display and improved battery life but other than these two enhancements, we are told not to expect much more from the tablet. Previous rumors had pointed to two iPad 3 models, a mid-range and high-end product, being unveiled at iWorld on January 26.

The latest speculation indicates that the iPad 2 will receive a price cut to $399 with the introduction of the iPad 3. The lower price would allow Apple to compete with other vendors such as Sony, Motorola and Samsung that offer tablets at a lower price point.

Sources expect the real battle for market share to take place in the second half of 2012 when Apple ships their iPad 4. This would be around the same time that Microsoft releases Windows 8 and Intel introduces its Clover Trail-W platform. These sources suggest that the iPad 4 would feature the same 9.7-inch display as the iPad 3 but would include upgraded hardware specifications and new applications. This could perhaps include the Samsung-manufactured quad-core A6 processor that has been rumored to be the successor to the dual-core A5 SoC.

DigiTimes has a mixed track record, especially when it comes to Apple rumors. As such, we suggest you take this latest dose with a grain of salt.

Rumor: iPad 3 will launch in 3-4 months, suppliers claim

Apple's Asian part suppliers believe the secretive company is gearing up to releases its latest iPad in a mere three to four months. According to Digitimes' sources, iPad 2 production is beginning to ramp down while parts for a new tablet have begun to make their way through the supply chain.

This release date conveniently coincides with the spring precedent already set by two previous iPad launches. Although Digitimes frequently hits the proverbial nail on its head, they miss it just about as much. In other words, the information is likely solid but you probably should not plan your wedding day around the iPad 3 launch.

Also, according to Apple's supply chain partners, production of the new iPad is expected to weigh in at just under 10 million units during Q1 of next year. That is a substantial number, most likely due an expectation that original iPad owners will upgrade to Apple's latest tablet offering. Conversely, iPad 2 production is expected to drop to 4-5 million for Q1 of 2012, the implication being that sales will be cannibalized by the iPad 3.

Sales reports for the first three quarters of 2011 show iPad sales have already topped 25 million units. That number is expected to increase about 60% before the end of Q4, totaling an impressive 40 million Apple tablets sold this year alone.

The latest iPad is thought to finally include a "Retina" display with a pixel density similar to recent iPhones. That means the iPad 3 may sport a 9.7 inch display running at a drool-worthy 2048x1536 resolution. There is little else known about the device thus far, but you can bet TechSpot will keep you apprised.