DigiTimes is recycling an old rumor that was popular in 2011 - That Apple will release two iPads in 2012. The rumor made no sense in 2011, and it makes no sense in 2012.
Note: As a source of rumors, DigiTimes can, at best, be described as mostly inaccurate.
The rumor is that the iPad 3 will feature a QXGA (1,536x2,048 pixels) display and longer battery life, and then later in the year Apple will update refresh the iPad again, releasing the iPad 4 with unknown specification.
According to 'sources,' the iPad 4 refresh will 'compete with an array of Android-, Wintel- or WoA (Windows on ARM)-based tablet PCs to be released in the fourth quarter.'
It makes no sense - no sense whatsoever - for Apple to release two iterations of the iPad in less than a year.
- The iPad 2 is already light years ahead of the competition. The iPad 3 will only increase this gulf.
- Two iPad refreshes within a year would put significant pressure on the supply chain.
- An iPad launch is a big deal. Releasing two iPads in the same year would create an expectation among who would begin to expect twice-yearly launches.
- Why would Apple need to release a new iPad in October to counter the pressure from 'Android-, Wintel- or WoA (Windows on ARM)-based tablet PCs' when a new iPad would be inbound come March anyway?
- The reason for these aggressive release schedule being hinted at by DigiTimes is price-pressure. Really? Apple is selling iPads as fast as it can get them made. What price-pressure?
Like i said, the rumor made no sense in 2011, and it makes no sense in 2012.
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