Apple has a tendency to release its devices on a specific schedule however seeing them deviate from this plan in recent events, including the delay for the iPhone 5 as most recent has some questioning whether it’s because of the recent tragedy in Japan setting back manufacturers in the supply chain, or are our creatures of habit actually keeping their fans guessing now as to when they will get their next hottest most hyped Apple gadget. The iPhone 5 or other named refresh will likely make its way to consumers in September sporting the new iOS 5, iCloud and other rumored specs currently buzzing around the web. The next hottest item that is currently rumored to be released in 2011 is the iPad 3 even though Steve Jobs himself has officially named 2011 “the year of the iPad 2!” That hasn’t stopped analysts, product leaks, and famed Apple bloggers like John Gruber from reporting release date rumors and other spec rumors that just further fuel the loyal Apple fans hype. Apple commands a strong following and it’s no surprise since their products are top quality and are consistently a step ahead of the competition in terms of design, specs and overall functionality. Some of the most hyped and rumored specs for the upcoming iPad 3 are a retina display with increased resolution, a new design that is slimmer and lighter, added ports such as a thunderbolt port, and a quad core processor. Many rumors and even respectable hardware leaks may just be internal testing which could never make it to the product since many prototypes and tests are done on the inside before a final product is reached. On the other hand many of the leaks have also turned out to be true and some prototypes of the previous iPhone 4 and iPad 2 were spot on to the version that was released to fans on the official release date. Is this coincidence or some sort of work on the inside through leaks of component specifications, photos and other proprietary information? You can bet that it’s a combination of all of the above. Apple loves to remain as tight lipped as possible about their upcoming products usually only giving us a glimpse of the latest device on the verge of its release date. A company this successful is certainly doing something right since they command over 80% market share in the tablet industry and do extremely well in other markets like smart-phones. They love the hype the web builds because it’s free marketing for their products. Apple does everything they can to limit as many leaks however in order to remain a mystery until they are good and ready to release their devices; once they are perfected and it won’t be any different with Apple’s iPad 3 as they continue to press it along in the development stages.
iPad 3