Apple Rumour: Two new iPads in 2012?

Apple rumours from Digitimes, said to originate from Asia, are suggesting that there will be two new 9.7-inch iPad models next year, targeting further market reach. So iPad 2, is, presumably, being consigned to competing in the entry-level market segment against such devices as the Kindle.

Digitimes, an Asian technology publication, is suggesting that Apple is set to present its latest iPad very early next year, January 26th, at the culmination of the iWorld event (formerly known as MacWorld). It is the first time that Apple will have attended the event since 2009 - and given this fact, it seems a strange environment for its latest showpiece.

However, some speculate that Apple's announcement will be independent of the expo but utilising its publicity to some extent.

Digitimes estimates that Apple will lower the iPad 2 price to make it a direct competitor to Kindle Fire, the e-reader from Amazon.

"The iPad 2 will be competing directly with Amazon’s Kindle Fire in the price-sensitive market segment, while the new models will focus on the mid-range and high-end segments respectively, the sources said."

Again, the rumours do not appear to completely add up, for the iPad is a tablet with much greater functionality than the Kindle. It is hard to see how it can be seen as an alternative.

Digitimes discloses the functionality rumours about the new iPads, including new HD QXGA dual-LED light bar screens. They will still be 9.7-inch screens but with the QXGA resolution of 1,536x2,048 pixels). Dual-LED bars, the sources say, will enhance panel brightness.

Sharp will supply panels to these latest iPads and Samsung and LG Display will be involved too with parts. Minebea, provider of backlight units (BLUs) may be suppliers too, the sources suggest. Samsung has been touted as the manufacturers of the quad-core A6 processors to be worked into the new-line iPads. It is reported that a 5-megapixel camera sensor will be installed in one of the models and a Sony 8-megapixel sensor in the other one, as installed within the phone 4S.

Digitimes adds that Apple has secured the services of Simplo Technology and Dynapack International Tech to supply 14,000mAh batteries for the latest iPads which will double battery strength.

Digitimes sources are said to come Apple's Asian supply-chain. It is possible that these new-generation iPads are in manufacture and that there is truth to these rumours. However, Digitimes record with Apple rumours has not been impeccable, so experts and consumers are likely to await further information before reaching any hard conclusions.

TheNextWeb Photo by : Tyler