Speculation around Apple iPad2 Release

If analysts are correct, we may see a new Apple iPad in April next year, with the iPad2 release likely to occur one year after the launch of the original.  The iPad has been one of the biggest – if not the biggest success story of 2010, so lots of people are interested in just how Apple are planning to improve on the original.

Brian Marshall from Wall Street firm Gleacher & Co says it is likely Apple will follow the same refresh path for the iPad as it has for the iPhone over the last three years.  “I think April is the proper time-frame for an iPad 2,” said Marshall, adding “Since I’m projecting that Apple will release a CDMA iPhone in March, both will help to equalize Apple’s seasonality.”

Just how the next generation iPad will differ from the original is still a matter of speculation, however it seems that Apple themselves have already left us with a few clues.  Most analysts, including Marshall, seem to think that the next generation iPad will have the same form factor as the original, with the major inclusion of a front facing camera.

Aaron Vronko from Rapid Repair has noted how Apple may have built the original iPad with an upgrade already in mind.  “It looks like it’s all ready for the camera, even including a hole in the glass for the lens,” said Vronko.  This provides a clue to how Apple and other major technology manufacturers function, with upgrades planned in advance and devices marketed again and again with only small improvements and additions.

Other iPad2 rumours include a better screen, more memory, a faster processor, and an iPhone4 style retina display, although all commentators seem in agreement that Apple wont delve into 7 inch territory.  However – one thing is for sure.  With more and more tablets entering the marketplace all the time, you can be sure that Apple are investing a lot of money into research and development in order to stay at the head of the pack.

iPad 2 coming in April with USB and Cameras

The blogosphere is currently abuzz with rumours surrounding the next generation of Apple’s iPad after a Chinese site published all sorts of interesting details about it, none of which we’ve heard “officially” yet.

The information came originally from China Economic Daily News which has a pretty good reputation for getting it right. Remember they were the first to report that Apple was producing a tablet when everyone else wrongly assumed it would be a Netbook.

So what are they saying now?

Basically there are five new features we can expect in the next generation iPad. The first of these is that there will supposedly be a front and a rear facing camera included, which makes a lot of sense as people wanted that and Apple’s FaceTime app would allow video calling too, which is great.

We are also apparently getting a USB port which will open up all sorts of options and again, we wanted it, we wanted that badly, so I guess Apple does listen.

The article also suggests a new touch display screen on the iPad 2 with retina display, as well as 3 axis gyroscope and hints that it will be a 7 inch device and lighter and thinner than the previous iPad. There’s also likely to be an increase in storage space.

The question most people really want an answer to though is when will they will be able to get their hands on the Apple iPad 2?

Well according to the Chinese sources the new Apple iPad will be released some time in the first quarter of 2011 so not long to wait. Again that fits with Apple’s pattern as the first iPad was announced in January and shipped in the April.

Perhaps Apple also relish the idea of stealing some thunder from RIM as if it launches in the spring and it looks that way at the moment, then it will be around the same time that the BlackBerry PlayBook is scheduled to make its debut.

The only disappointing thing is that the iPad 2 isn’t likely to be any cheaper than the first iPad and if you already have that, are you really going to splash out again, particularly as there will be other cheaper tablets available by then, including the PlayBook.

It’s all very exciting but we have to remember that until we get the official word on the new iPad 2 it’s all still speculation and rumour.