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Next-generation iPad rumored to be in production for March release
It's January, and that means it's time to ramp up the iPad rumors to full frenzy mode. Japanese rumor site Macotakara, which has been surprisingly accurate when it comes to speculation about upcoming iPads, says that the next-generation iPad is now in production in anticipation of a release in March, 2012. Macotakara's sources in China say that Foxconn and Pegatron will share production of the new iPad, with Foxconn grabbing a full 85 percent of the orders. The site says that the initial devices will be outfitted with Sharp LCD display panels, allowing 2048 x 1536 resolution without adding weight and thickness to the iPad. As you can see above, the Macotakara has also been accumulating images from Chinese sources of what appear to be replacement parts for the next-generation iPad. The report from Japan also includes design teasers that are in line with what iLounge's Jeremy Horwitz was stating this week -- the device is visually similar to the iPad 2, and the Smart Cover and other accessories should work with the new iPad. Horwitz reportedly saw an next-generation iPad prototype just before CES, noting that the new device is about 1 mm thicker than the iPad 2 and has a slightly larger opening for the rear camera lens. Horwitz revealed the design of the iPad 2 last year through a similar encounter, so there could be some validity to this rumor. Horwitz also noted that the prototype he saw could be as much as six months old, so the design could have changed prior to going into production. Speculation about what's under the glass and aluminum of the new device is rampant, with a quad-core A6 being seen as a possibility to power the next iPad. GigaOM's Darrell Etherington even wondered if the device might be given the "iPad 2S" moniker, indicating big changes inside with few cosmetic differences from the iPad 2. What do you think about these rumors? Would the addition of a quad-core chip make you upgrade from your existing iPad? We want to hear your opinions in the comments.
iPhone 5 rumors: aluminum backside, redesigned antenna
Now that the MacBook Pro refresh has happened and the iPad 2 is out, what's left for the rumor mill? The iPhone 5 of course. Citing a Chinese source, Japanese site Macotakara claims that Apple is abandoning the current iPhone 4's exposed antenna/glass backside construction for the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 will supposedly have an all-aluminum rear case similar to the iPad 2. Wireless signals will penetrate the case via the Apple logo, which will be made from a plastic resin, presumably similar to the black bar on top of the 3G iPad 2. Macotakara has had a fairly good accuracy rate in its rumors so far, although Economic Daily News, Macotakara's source for this rumor, has been less reliable in the past. Macotakara's reports nailed the iPad 2's announcement and shipping dates, and it got some of the hardware details right as far back as December. If the site is getting its information directly from Chinese sources as it claims, that might account for its accuracy rate. A complete case redesign for the iPhone 5 isn't beyond the realm of possibility, but personally, I'll remain skeptical until there are corroborating reports from at least one other source. The iPhone 5 will likely be announced in either June or July of this year, and in the meantime we can expect to hear a lot more about the forthcoming device -- not all of it accurate. [via MacRumors]
Rumor: iPad 2 announcement at end of February for March release
The iPad 2 rumor mill is in full production mode now, with the latest coming from Japanese Mac site MacOtakara. According to the translation (unfortunately from Google Translate and not our very own Japan-based Rick Martin), Apple is planning on a short event toward the end of February during which the features and release date of the new device are to be announced. Production of the new device is apparently on hold due to the Chinese New Year celebrations, which began on February 3 and should end the morning of February 17. The picture at right is from the site, although we have no idea if that's a touchscreen from an existing or future iPad. MacOtakara believes that the release will be made in March, although the exact timing and distribution (i.e., worldwide vs. US only) are uncertain. We don't know where the site got their information or if this is simply yet another case of wild speculation, so take this rumor with a great deal of skepticism. We are, however, seeing an increased number of reports of iPad 2 parts being shipped to repair depots, an iPad 2 prototype was apparently spotted this week at launch of The Daily, and unconfirmed rumors are saying that an iPad 2 ad was filmed in LA this week featuring a FaceTime call on the new camera-carrying tablet. [via MacRumors]
