Apple to reveal two new iPad versions next month

In spite of several rumors pointing to a potential March release, DigiTimes is reporting that Apple would be unveiling its next-generation iPad in the upcoming/resurrected MacWorld/iWorld conference. The sources for the information are Apple’s supply chain partners, which say that not one but two versions of the device will be seeing the light of day.

Three iPads in three different markets

The Cupertino-based company won’t be replacing the iPad 2, though. Its idea is to compete in three different markets with three devices that adapt to the needs of each kind of user. In this way, the iPad 2 would be put against the Amazon Kindle Fire while the upcoming versions would compete in the mid-end and high-end markets.

In the light of this new information, we can say that some of the previous rumors we’ve heard might hold some truth in them. For example, DigiTimes says that the upcoming iPad will feature 2048 x 1536 resolution 9.7-inch screens, as some Internet sites pointed out. Dual-LED light bars would also be included in an attempt to strengthen the display’s brightness.

In addition, the processor would be bigger, as expected. In fact, all signals point out to Samsung providing its A6 quad-core mobile processors. For your reference, the iPad 2’s processor is a dual-core A5.

More powerful cameras and longer battery life

The cameras allegedly integrated in the new iPad models would be one of the key components in which some differences are to be found. While the mid-end device would sport a 5 megapixel lens, the high-end iPad is reportedly including an 8 megapixel camera.

Finally, and in an obvious response to the heavy fire taken for the latest iPhone’s poor battery performance, the new iPad editions would be introducing batteries with a surprising capacity of as high as 14,000 milliampere-hour (mAh). With this, Apple would be seeking to address the battery drains problems that plagued the iPhone 4s.

Since there’s no certainty over these reports and there isn’t an official confirmation on Apple’s behalf, all of us should be careful with these reports. And although many of us would like to see what will become of the iPad’s future, maybe we’ll have to calm down and wait for the official announcement.