A report claims that iPad 3 price will be similar to that of the iPad 2, but when its launched, the iPad 2 will be discounted so much so that its stock finishes and an inevitable discontinuation dawns upon everyone. Details, after the jump.
You must be wondering why the rumour mill has already started spewing out rumours about the iPad 3, while it has merely been five months since the iPad 2 was launched earlier this year in March. The fact is, it looks like Apple is breaking away from its infamous release cycles. For example, since 2007, Apple has announced new iPhone models at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference. However, WWDC 2011 saw no mention, not even a whisper of the next generation iPhone and now reports indicate a September iPhone 5 launch. Apple has never launched an iPhone in September, it always launches the new iPod models in September but word on the internet says that Apple is pushing back the September 2011 iPod model launch just so it can put its brand new iPhone on the market.
The report in question here comes from Taiwan Economic News and was originally brought to our attention by BGR. The report hints at an iPad 3 launch in Fall of 2011 or early next year. We just discussed about Apple breaking away from its release cycles so naturally you would have been expecting an iPad 3 release in March 2012, however this report claims on the contrary.
It is expressed in the report that the iPad 3 won't replace the iPad 2, rather it would be an addition to the iPad line up as the third generation iPad is going to be a "pro" iteration of the world's favourite tablet. Better cameras, faster processer and a Retina Display is what will set the iPad 3 apart from its predecessor. We won't expect any major design changes though. Also, we would beg to differ from the 2011 iPad 3 release claim. Remember Steve Jobs explicitly stating "2011: Year of the iPad 2" at the iPad 2 launch event on March 2? We highly doubt that the company would change that, hence our hopes are high for an early 2012 release, not for a Fall 2011 iPad 3 release.
So what becomes of the iPad 2? Apple will offer the iPad 2 at a discount so that the stocks clear, leading to a discontinuation of the iPad 2. As for the iPad 3, Apple will make sure that iPad 3 price is not increased and that it is offered for the very familiar basic $499 price point as the current price point is retained for the next generation iPad.
We'll keep you regularly posted on iPad 3 price, and all rumours regarding its release and availability. Stay tuned.