Rumors are abound that Apple may be planning to commemorate its late founder's birthday by releasing iPad 3. That would mean that
Apple would be updating its tablet line up in February next year. Steve Jobs' birthday falls on February 24th. Focus Taiwan has reported that Apple's supply chain partners are clamoring to pace up iPad 3's production. It has also reported that one of suppliers, Foxconn, has asked its workers to keep slaving during the Lunar New Year Holidays. While we are happy to get iPad 3 as early as possible, but Foxconn asking its workers to do overtime during festive times is not going to do its image any favor. The company is already embroiled in way too many labor related controversies.
Another supplier, Catcher Technology is also said to have asked its employees to work overtime during the New Year. Cathcer Technology provides iPad cases. Similarly, other supply chain partners such as Amer International Group and Simplo Technology are said to be ramping up their operations.
However, you would need to take an extra dose of salt for this new rumor. Earlier, it was surmised that the Cupertino company would be releasing iPad 3 during March or April next year. The tablet is not likely to undergo any major change. Another rumor about the launch of 7-inch iPad has already been quashed. iPad 3 is likely to come with a Retina Display. It is also expected to have slightly different form factor from the existing tablet.