In three separate incidences over the weekend, insiders have leaked iPad 3 photos alluding to the design and purported parts for the soon-to-be-released tablet. Here’s a look at the shots, where they came from, and what they tell us.
8-megapixel camera
The first of three leaks published on Chinese blog, Apple Daily, displays a side-by-side comparison of the iPad’s shells from its first to third generation. The purported iPad 3 in the comparison displays a noticeable difference in the circumference of the rear-facing camera, assumed to be making space for an 8-megapixel camera. The case’s design itself, while exhibiting little difference from its second-generation predecessor as we’ve expected, may come with a noticeably beveled edge, likely in an effort to fit in a larger battery. We should expect the iPad 3 to trump the 10-hour battery life on its predecessor.
Dual-core A5X
A second leaked photo that sprang up on the Chinese site, WeiPhone, suggests that the iPad 3’s processor will be a quicker dual-core A5X, an upgrade from the dual-core A5, which can be clocked up to 1GHz and debuted in the iPad 2. The news of the A5X may come as a disappointment for those who were expecting the newer A6 quad-core processor. But all hope isn’t lost. According to MacRumors, the A5X processor was created in November 2011, which could very well mean that Apple disguised the A6 as an A5X to prevent a leak such as this. The second possibility: The A5X was a mere stand-in prototype, because Apple is known to create multiple prototypes before finalizing the specifications.
9.7-inch display
Finally, a leak by yet another Chinese blog, App.wepost.me, offers a glimpse at purported iPad 3 displays packaged to be shipped out. The forum confirms a 9.7-inch, high-resolution 2048 x 1536 Retina Display, but also includes a “dual LED display.” Samsung’s manufacturer, Radiant Opto-Electronics factory in Wujiang, China, is reported to be the supplier and will be shipping out the product to Samsung in South Korea.
With the iPad 3 anticipated March 7 unveiling quickly approaching, everything we’ve been expecting in the iPad 3 remains for the most part, unchanged.
I don’t care, it’s utterly pointless with outdated technology. Talking about feeding the gullible
Notice: Please don’t feed the troll.
Can’t leakers take better pics?
I figured I would wait to get an iPad. Now I’m glad I did…
I thought the “retina display” already had better clarity than the human eye. Why are they improving it?
For a display to be classified as a “Retina Display,” it must have a resolution of 300ppi (pixels per inch) or higher. The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S currently have a screen resolution that meets this standard. The iPad and iPad 2, however, both have low resolution screens with closer to 150ppi. The iPad 3 will have a “Retina Display” that will bring it closer to the 300ppi standard, making it a vast improvement over the first two, and something equivelant to the current iPhone screen’s clarity.
“The iPad 3 will have…” – we believe… and you’re likely to be right, but people touted the Retina Display last year for the iPad 2 and it was a no-show.
All the App devs are going to have to rescale all their graphics.
ipad 2 just came out…
8 mega pixel cam and the almost 10 inch screen?! I just bought an IPAD : (
meh. the asus transformer prime still kicks the iPads proverbial a–
I’m still trying to figure out how to load 35 ml. film into my old digital camera. Sigh.
Latest? Are you guys serious, this happened yesterday
I would like an upgraded front facing camera please!
Not really sure. I heard by this summer but you never know with these guys ; )
I was thinking of purchasing an ipad 2 but does anyone know the release date for the third one?
It will likely be some time in March. Almost all Apple products have a yearly update that is followed fairly regularly. Given the first two iPads were released in the month of March, iPad 3 probably will be too.