iPad 3 Release Date: Device to Launch March 2012?

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Apple’s iPad 3 might be released in March 2012, according to Makotakara.

The Japanese technology blog reported they received insider information that revealed Apple is rushing production of its next generation tablet due to Chinese New Year celebrations starting Jan. 22.

Makotakara cited “a reliable Asian source” for the information. The source also said that factories in China are gearing up to produce the iPad 3 by the end of January.

The new tablet is expected to include a redesigned dock connector that features the same number of pins, but a smaller shape than the iPad 2.

The blog’s source also claimed that the iPad 3’s screen will remain the same size as its predecessor; although, the source did not know if Apple was going to upgrade to retina display levels or keep the same resolution.

Apple, according to news reports, is said to be gearing up for the launch of the iPad 3. Wall Street Journal’s AllThingD wrote earlier this month that the iPad 3 would be released in 2012.

The blog also spoke with Jeff Fidacaro, a Susquehanna Financial analyst, who revealed that Apple is sending the iPad 3 into production this quarter.

Considering “supply chain checks” Fidacaro predicted that the technology giant would produce 600000 to 1 million units of the iPad 3 by the end of the quarter.

Fidacaro has been accurate with his predictions in the past. He also told AllThingsD that Apple was supposed to produce between 11 million and 13 million iPads during the fourth quarter, and that number currently ranges from 12 million to 14 million.

He also said Apple will most likely launch the next generation iPad in early 2012, which coincides with Apple’s previous launches. The company unveiled the iPad 2 in March 2011.