Much of the focus on Apple-related rumors is on the iPhone 5 (even the name of which itself is still a rumor). Other rumors have popped up suggesting that Apple is looking at getting into the TV business. Yes, they have Apple TV, but we’re talking about actually making televisions. Some are skeptical that this will happen in the near term, but hey, that’s why it’s a rumor.
Naturally, it’s about time the iPad 3 rumors start getting kicked up a notch. I mean, the iPad 2 has been around for over 3 months. Come on, Apple. What’s taking so long?
While reporting on some iPhone 5 rumors, Bloomberg also dropped a nugget about Apple’s next version of the iPad, saying, “Apple is also testing a new version of the iPad that has a higher resolution screen, similar to the one now used in the iPhone 4, one of the people [familiar with the plans] said.”
The report later added, “The screen resolution on Apple’s new iPad would be about one-third higher than that of the iPad 2 and will boast a more responsive touchscreen, one of the people said.”
In my opinion, the iPad 2 was a huge step up from the original iPad, so it will be very interesting to see how much Apple is able to improve on that with its next release. The 2 is thinner and lighter, and simply more comfortable to use than the 1, which was the biggest improvement to me.
The iPad 2 was also faster with the A5 chip and dual core processor, and featured a front-facing camera.
It will also be interesting to see if they offer existing iPad owners refunds on the price difference again. When the iPad 2 launched, the pricing reflected that of the original iPad, but the original also dropped by $100, and Apple offered to refund the price difference to current iPad owners, so they would upgrade.
Apple has some competition in the tablet space now. It didn’t when the iPad first came out. That competition will only increase, but so far, it seems consumers are far more interested in iPads than any of its competitors. A recent Bernstein Research survey found that 50% in the U.S. think they’ll choose an Apple product for their next tablet. In second place was Dell, with just 12%. In the UK, 50% said Apple again, and in 2nd place was Samsung at 13%.
What would you like to see improved with Apple’s iPad? Let us know in the comments.
