iPad 3 Release Date: iPad 3 Coming Next Fall?
For eager Apple customers anticipating the iPad 3 release next March – they might need to circle another month instead.
According to back channel sources, the much desired iPad 3 may not hit store shelves until next fall at the earliest.
Speculations and rumors from Apple followers say that a revised version of the iPad 2 will make its debut in March 2012.
Will the later date hurt Apple? Many in close circles say “not a chance.”
For the past several years, Apple has held its fall product launch events in early September and brought those products to market by the start of October.
Apple held its event to introduce the iPhone this year on Oct. 4. And by following the history of any major Apple announcement, like releasing the iPad 3 – it probably won’t happen. Instead Apple would most likely use the cleaver tactic of releasing the “beefed up” iPad 2 after the holiday dust has settled, when people are already bored with their Christmas gifts.
Apple won’t push out the iPad 3 before the holidays for several reasons. The first being that the iPad 2 is already outselling all other competitors. So why take the wind out of its sails? Secondly, it’s already too late.
With all the other companies coming out with Black Friday deals and midnight-mile-long-line-specials, there wouldn’t be enough buzz that is needed for such a debut.
The more practical concern for Apple right now is holiday shoppers who may be concerned about buying an iPad 2 in November or December. The reason being because the iPad 2 been around too long and consumers might fear a new model replacing the second generation iPad shortly after they make their purchase.
Coincidentally, this happened last year with the first iPad. Apple can alleviate this issue simply by changing up the iPad 2 just enough so that it’s regarded as the new iPad.