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'iPad 4' Headed for October Launch with iPad 3 as Interim Upgrade?

Friday January 6, 2012 5:33 am PST by Eric Slivka

In an effort to continue throwing ideas at the wall to see what might stick, the only occasionally reliable Digitimes today reported that not only will Apple be releasing the iPad 3 with high-resolution "Retina" display in March as is widely expected, but that the company will follow that up with the release of the iPad 4 in October.

On the topic of the iPad 3, Digitimes suggests that the Retina display will be the main attraction of the new device, with better battery life also serving to entice customers. But other hardware upgrades for the iPad 3 are said to be rather minimal, as Apple is reportedly rolling out the iPad 3 alongside an iPad 2 price cut to $399 as an interim effort to set the stage for a bigger battle with the competition later in the year.

Apple will ship the so-called "iPad 3" with a full HD display in March and then "iPad 4" - named so by its component suppliers - with killer applications in October, according to industry sources in Taiwan. [...]

But a true battle for market share will arrive in the second half of the year when Apple ships its iPad 4 in October, about the time when Microsoft releases its Window 8 and Intel unveils its Clover Trail-W platform, the sources commented.

The 9.7-inch iPad 4 is expected to come with much upgraded hardware specifications and integrated applications so as to compete with an array of Android-, Wintel- or WoA (Windows on ARM)-based tablet PCs to be released in the fourth quarter, said the sources.

The rumor is somewhat reminiscent of last year's round of claims, which suggested that the iPad 2's successor would appear in late 2011 as an interim upgrade carrying a Retina display. Claims of a late 2011 iPad came from several different sources in July and early August of last year before other sources including The Wall Street Journal put the claim to rest.

Digitimes has a proliferative record of Apple-related rumors and has occasionally offered accurate information. But its information is generally considered unreliable given a significant number of claims that have failed to materialize. Claims of two separate iPad launches this year are sure to pique interest though, and we'll be waiting to hear if other sources offer similar information going forward.

Related roundup: iPad Air

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

HarryKeogh

30 months ago

And don't forget the iPad 5 to be released in December 2012 in time for the holiday season.

Then get ready for 2013. "The Year of the iPad". New iPads every month!

Rating: 100 Positives

Anaemik

30 months ago

Are digitimes *that* desperate for hits to their site?

Rating: 35 Positives

ouimetnick

30 months ago

Not a fan of that method. Just update it yearly. Two upgrades in a year. I would be jealous if it mine was no longer current in several months.

Rating: 26 Positives

ASKendrew

30 months ago

1 upgrade a year is enough for my bank account!

Rating: 24 Positives

farmermac

30 months ago

Hard to believe that these news outlets that have been around for a few years would spout ridiculous rumors like this. Apple wouldn't benefit from out dating their hardware every 6 months android-style.

Rating: 18 Positives

scharf10

30 months ago

Can't see it. If the original iPad still does well for enough people who skipped the iPad 2, I can't see the need to release two different models in one year. I'd imagine Apple will stick to their yearly cycle.

Rating: 17 Positives

CylonGlitch

30 months ago

Wasn't it reported that the iPad3 would be out in October 2011 shortly after the iPad2? Sounds like someone who likes to create rumors likes this one.

I cannot see this happening.

Rating: 17 Positives

NutsNGum

30 months ago

Digitimes, y u no credible?

Rating: 16 Positives

1town

30 months ago

Oh brother..

Here we go again, let's just rehash the whole rumor mill from last year, where iPad 2 was to come out first, then iPad 3 in the fall.

Not. Gonna. Happen.

Also, how the hell are they gonna add a retina display to the iPad WITHOUT upgrading the hardware? Does anyone really think the iPad can run a >1080p screen with the current hardware?

Rating: 13 Positives