Apple's March 7 announcement
The iPad 3 will not be unveiled on March 7. Instead, the new iPad will simply be called iPad HD, reports Gizmodo.
Gizmodo cite part-listings from iPad accessories manufacturers Griffin and Belkin, with one particular product known as ‘IntelliCase for iPad HD (3)’ and another ‘IntelliCase for iPad 2 / HD (3)’. Accessories manufacturers are usually briefed by Apple shortly before launching a new product so they can have their own products ready for launch, or shortly after.
The next iPad is expected to feature a Retina Display that would double the iPad’s current resolution of 1024 by 768 and contain more pixels than a HDTV.
Apple’s own event announcement also suggests the introduction of a HD display – “We have something you really have to see. And touch.” The suggestion of touch also hints at an update to Apple’s touch technology. Perhaps its simply more responsive or maybe they’re introducing something much greater like haptic feedback?
For me, Apple releasing an iPad 3 doesn’t make sense. The iPad 2 still feels like a really new product, too new to begin replacing. Instead, a updated version will be released and exist complimentary to the iPad 2.
The new iPad will introduce another pricing tier. The iPad 2 will become slightly cheaper and move lower down the scale to make room for the iPad HD – or whatever it’s called. There’s no reason either why it won’t be referred to as the iPad 2 HD, or the iPad 2S for that matter.
