2012 iPad Rumor Roundup

Well, the end of a year usually means one thing for sure – new Apple product rumors. At NerdBeach we have been collecting those rumors, and trying to sift through the information to try to get to the base rumors that at least seem to make sense. So, what have we dug up for the next iPad? Let’s take a look.

Two iPad Models

It is rumored that the next iPad will be offered in two different models in order to hit the widest possible market. One of the models will, logically enough, compete with the Kindle Fire as a more entry level priced unit. The other will be a more upscale version in the price range we are used to seeing to day. It is hard to determine the distinguishing factors between the two models, but at this time both appear to be coming with a 9.7 inch screen, not a smaller 7 inch model as reported elsewhere. This would also make sense if Apple was trying to minimize the impact the new display would have on developers.

5 Megapixel Camera

The higher priced iPad is rumored to be sporting a new camera, capable of 5 mp. Samsung is providing the CMOS image sensor for the device. At this point it looks like the more economical iPad would still have a camera, but a lower resolution version.

Dual LED Light Bars With QXGA Display

The next iPad will sport dual backlighting to make the screen even sharper than it is now. Reportedly both Sharp and Samsung are participants in the supply chain to produce the 1536 x 2048 QXGA displays. This gets the next generation iPad close to a Retina display quality, and would definitely make full screen PDFs and magazine pages more pleasurable to read.

Quad Core Processor

The quad core A6 processor should find its way into the next iPad. This should boost computational power above the current model, which is itself no slouch. Of course, this extra power will come at the expense of at least a little more battery power, which brings us to the next rumor:

High Capacity 14,000 mAH Battery

The next iPad will carry a 14,000 mAH battery, which should power the advancements with no problem. Simplo Technology and Dynapack International Technology are lined up to supply the power cells.

When Will We See it

Some sites are reporting that the new models could be revealed as early as January 26th at iWorld. However, I don’t see this happening given the recent history with Apple. Of course, anything is possible, but I would look for the unveiling to be somewhere in the March – June timeframe. Then again, it’s Tim Cook’s show now, so maybe there is a change in the air.
Please note that rumors are subject to change, and nowhere is this more true than with Apple products that have not hit the market yet. Last minute deals or issues beyond the control of the suppliers can change plans quickly, and Apple has shown in the pat that it can roll with the punches as needed. But far as we can today, this is what you might come to expect in the next iPad. And, I’m not ashamed to say, I would like one.