Edible Apple

Despite rumors and speculative reports that Apple was planning to release two iPad models in 2011 – the iPad 2 this past March and an iPad 3 this September – it appears that that isn’t the case. Citing component partners, Digitimes is reporting that Apple has yet to provide its partners with any manufacturing information about the iPad 3. As a result, they deduce that a next-gen iPad wouldn’t ship until early 2012 at the earliest.

The sources pointed out that they have not yet received any notice for next generation iPad products and do not believe iPad 2 is a transitional product. With iPad 2’s strong shipment order forecast from Apple, the sources believe iPad 3 will not appear in the short term.

While initial reports claimed an iPad 3 was in the pipeline to really preclude Android tablets from taking off, the ongoing success of the iPad 2 may have deemed a new iPad model so soon unnecessary. Further, it’s also possible that the earthquake in Japan and its subsequent affect on Apple’s ability to secure component parts is playing a factor as well.

Interestingly enough, the report also notes that upcoming iPad models, as rumored, will support a much higher quality screen.

Sources from touch panel makers pointed out that Apple recently released its latest tablet PC plan and is asking the panel makers to provide products that are capable to support higher image quality than the current iPad 2 and Apple may even choose AMOLED panel or panel that support Full HD standard to accomplish the plan. However, since the project is still at the initial planning stage, the actual products are unlikely to appear in 2011.