We might just be a few weeks away from the unveiling of the iPad 2, and per usual, there are certainly no shortage of sources purporting to know what features Apple is planning to include on the second iteration of its exceedingly popular tablet.
In a nutshell, a quick roundup of iPad 2 rumors include the addition of a Retina Display, an SD Card slot, a slightly modified (read: thinner) form factor, rear and front facing cameras, and a mini USB port. In other words, if you thought users were clamoring to get their hands on the current iPad, you ain’t seen nothing yet. And that’s saying something. If you recall, Apple announced that it sold 1 million iPads within the first 28 days of launch. Put into context, it took 74 days for the original iPhone to cross the 1 million unit threshold.
And now comes word that Apple has added on two new touch panel suppliers for the iPad 2 in anticipation of even larger iPad demand. DigiTimes reports that Apple has tapped Chimei Innolux and Cando to join current iPad screen suppliers Wintek, Sintek Phottronics and TPK Touch Solutions. Citing an industry source, the report notes that Apple orders for the iPad 2 are expected to reach 6 million monthly units, up from a current order rate of 4 million units per month.
Meanwhile, and despite Steve Jobs’ emphatic claims to the contrary, rumors of a 7-inch iPad persist, though DigiTimes supply chain sources note that they’ve heard nothing of the sort.
Lastly, the report notes that Apple orders for the iPad 2 are expected to commence in January or February. Previously, rumors indicated that the next-gen iPad would begin shipping sometime between late February and early March.
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December 16th, 2010 at 8:50 am
There’s no way in hell there will be a USB port of any kind. USB ports pass the message to users that they can plug stuff into that port. Plugging stuff into that port means drivers. Think about it. The Apple port is sufficient. If you watch Apple carefully, they don’t add things unless they are critical. I know it frustrates geeks, but this is how Apple rolls.
An SD card slot is almost as impossible to imagine on an iPad as a USB port.
Thinner, for sure. Front facing camera, for sure. Retina display: inevitable, either in 2011 or 2012.
Rear facing camera, there’s only two ways that would happen. The rear camera is really a silly concept — who wants a large, bad camera. You will look silly using it. However, the slew of “camera apps” that will let you take iPad 2 photos with the front camera will also make it look silly. So it’s a tough call.
December 16th, 2010 at 8:52 am
The second reason they might consider a rear facing camera would be that businesses are asking for it.
My bet on a rear-facing camera is 2-1. You bet $10, I bet $20, put your money where your mouth is, winnder gets the pot at $30. I say no.
December 16th, 2010 at 9:07 am
I agree the SD card will not happen. I think there is a possibility of a mini USB only because of the developments in Europe requiring a standardized charging port. If they do add a USB port I don’t think it will add any other functions that you already can do now however. You would be able to plug a camera in to load photos or use it to charge the batteries. I don’t think there is any chance at all that they will add a retina display, I think they will add improved resolution but not 300+dpi. The most important upgrade would be more RAM, they need to bump up to at least 512K. A thinner case would be nice but if they can’t shed some of the weight it won’t help much. I am waiting for iPad2 just like lots of other people, I think it will be a huge seller, they should plan for 1+ million on the opening weekend.