New iPad Shows Up in App Analytics Running A6-Based Chip

[Shanpdx]

Nexus 7 display: 7” 1280x800 HD display (216 ppi)

I have iPad2 and Nexus 7. I think 1280x800 is good enough for a 7" tablet. The screen on the nexus 7 is really nice.

I think this boils down to price, will you spend $299 for a non retina 7" iPad Mini or $399 or upwards for a highly dense/retina display

I had take 1024x768 for $299; down the road two years it might get the retina display for the same price.

 

[hamkor04]

Have been waiting about 6 month for iMac but not iterested as before but deffenatly not for "new" ipad what so ever

 

[dampfnudel]

The more things pan out, the more I think the current iPad is a stop gap. The true iPad 3 will be released with lightning and an A6... Probably soon by the sounds of it!

I can understand where you're coming from. The current iPad, with the exception of the great display, has never felt "right". The A5X, two lamps instead of one, increased heat, increased battery-charging times, continued bulk all contributed to that feeling.

Now, let's say Apple wanted to move their iPad releases to the Fall so they can release something new in the spring and make those shopping for the holidays a little more confident about their iPad purchase now that they know their holiday gift won't be replaced 3 months later. Let's also say they wanted to change the connector, switch to a IGZO display, go back to one lamp, reduce battery-charging times, reduce the heat, slim it down, etc. Would they wait until next October (no way), wait until April-June (after they released something else) or release it this month, in time for the holidays?

The only thing I wonder about is why we don't have any photos of the revised late 2012 edition iPad? That's where my doubts come into the picture about a revised iPad being released this month. The iPad Mini on the other hand is so close I can smell it.

 

[barkomatic]

The only thing I wonder about is why we don't have any photos of the revised late 2012 edition iPad? That's where my doubts come into the picture about a revised iPad being released this month. The iPad Mini on the other hand is so close I can smell it.

Perhaps because the revised version has the exact same form factor and wasn't recognized as distinct from the current model. Either that or the promised "double down on security" pledge.

 

[Shanpdx]

The only thing I wonder about is why we don't have any photos of the revised late 2012 edition iPad? That's where my doubts come into the picture about a revised iPad being released this month. The iPad Mini on the other hand is so close I can smell it.

because all of the changes we are outlining are internal (except may be backlit of the display, dock connector) so the new iPad will look identical - may be lighter and thinner

I am not positive either we will see the updated iPad, what they call it iPad 4?

 

[macs4nw]

I so hope this is the mini. I want that thing bad, but I want A6 and display equal to or greater than the Fire 2 and Nexus 7. Releasing the mini with a 2 year old processor would be a travesty.

It'll be interesting to see where APPLE is going with this device, considering Tim Cook's statement about "not leaving a price umbrella". That would almost certainly preclude both A6 and Retina Display. Personally, I would rather pay a bit more also, and get such a version.

 

[Glideslope]

The only thing I hate about my iPad 3 is how long the battery takes to charge, that said faster is always better, and lightening would be a nice tweak...

...might be ebaying my 3 sooner than I thought!

Yup. Get your account ready.

 

[msimpson]

an iPad is an iPad

I don't care is it's the Mini. But if they re-release the 3 half way through it's cycle with better specs I'm going to be pissed. I know technology gets better and better but if they update the current iPad with better specs so quickly I'll seriously be disappointed.

the next 9.7" tablet released by Apple will be called iPad.

You already have an iPad. Be happy.

Because the rest of the world could care less if you are disappointed.

 

[the8thark]

Could this be an Apple HQ test iPad with new internals getting it ready for next years iPad? I'd consider this more likely then some new iPad Mini.

 

[MRU]

But a sole SKU variation is strange....

If the 3,6 designation was for a new revised 9.7" iPad to replace current models, surely there would have to be evidence of a more variations 3,6 3,7 3,8 (Wifi). 3,9 3,10 3,11. (Wifi/cellular). In order to accommodate the different storage capacity sizes and then different version wifi, wifi/cellular.


Hence a single SKU can not mean its replacing the new iPad line completely with a revised version of the new iPad.


1) so iPad Mini with second SKU...

More likelihood is that it is for the iPad Mini and represents either a shift by Apple to a more powerful mini, or a second SKU of the mini.

That woud mean both a mini based on iPad 2 internals (iPad 2,6), available in black or white to be sold cheap, and then instead or alongside upgrading of storage capacity, the next SKU option would be for a mini based on the new ipad architecture, but shifting to the A6 as seen in the iPhone 5, as it still doesnt perhaps have a retina display. This would be the (Pad 3,6)


2) gearing up for the March refresh...

However a single SKU. 3,6 in more liklihood represents the next 'cheaper iPad 3' that will launch alongside the next 'new 9.7" iPad ' in March 2013 next.

Hence the single SKU. Much like the single iPad 2 SKU being sold longside the new iPad currently.

 

[Nickraphael]

What they want to do is shift the new ipad reveal to October every year after the iPhone to dominate the holiday marketing season. The Mac line does the marketing in the spring summer when Intel's CPUs come out. Kids are more prone to buy the iOS line during the holidays because they're youth centric and more financially attainable... Perfect Christmas presents.

 

[fertilized-egg]

What they want to do is shift the new ipad reveal to October every year after the iPhone to dominate the holiday marketing season.

I wonder too. What if Apple releases an updated 10" iPad with a new A6 chip this or next month? They've done fast updates like that with Macs before. Will that carry over to iPad too?

Also I'm looking forward to an in-cell display on an iPad. After using iPhone 5 for a while, it really does make things look nicer by pushing the image nearer to the display surface.

 

[0087215]

It might actually be true that Apple is about to announce a new New iPad with the A6 processor, lightning port and IGZO display.

You can see it this way: the new iPad with the A5X processor was just an updated version of the iPad 2 released in March 2011. In March 2012, Apple wasn't able to deliver a proper updated iPad 3 (remember all those reports about IGZO technology being not available yet: now, Sharp announced their factories produce enough displays to be used by a large number of tech companies, such as Apple). So, they incorporated a Retina screen, the A5X processor and more RAM to run the higher resolution and a massive battery needed for it. But in fact the actual major update was the Retina display.

And - admit it - it has just never felt right how long it takes to charge the new iPad and how large its battery is (plus, Apple just has to update its new iPad with the lightning connector - otherwise, it would be weird having a new iPhone 5 and iPad Mini with that type of connector and the big brother of the latter still using the 30-pin connector - and while doing so, why not just update the processor and the screen?)

So, people, get ready for some sweet Apple announcements in a couple of weeks!

 

[etrinh]

I bought my partner a new iPad almost two weeks ago and tomorrow is the last day I can return it - what should I do? Of course it works great but if
A revised version is a couple of weeks away, is it better to return it now and wait? I've been having this discussion all week, not sure what to do!

Technology will always become obsolete. If the current version works for you than keep it. If you always chase after the better tech than you'll never get full use out of what it is your buying lest buyers remorse sets in and ruins the experience. If it doesn't do what you need and you can live without it, than just return it and go without it for a bit. Rumors are unsubstantiated unless Apple themselves make a product announcement. That's the gamble you have and the choice is yours.

 

[LoloBond]

If they release that this year ill be asking for a replacement

 

[whitesand]

Wow...If they update the Ipad with the new IGZO displays it would be really nice! Look at how thin the new Ipod touch and iphone are...Now imagine the Ipad!

I'd buy one for sure!

 

[mkimid]

I think, that is the real iPad 3 which has been planned but not released due to the limit of time to prepare.
1. A6 with improved graphic :: even CPU performance of A6 is double of A5X but graphic performance is similar.
2. Thinner and low power display
3. Thinner by display and batter
4. New dock connector
5. Real LTE support
6. Nano SIMCARD
:

 

[engg2000]

I think, that is the real iPad 3 which has been planned but not released due to the limit of time to prepare.
1. A6 with improved graphic :: even CPU performance of A6 is double of A5X but graphic performance is similar.
2.
3.
4. New dock connector
5. Real LTE support
6. Nano SIMCARD
:

Yep

 

[clibinarius]

So the one you got less than six months ago still does the job? Good to hear.

Make it less power hungry in order to shrink the battery in order to save space and make recharing a lot faster. Or keep the size and turn it into a real long lasting device. Also switch to IZGO technology to further prolong the battery. I'm talking 2 day, running apps, battery life without a recharge here.

Apple will probably just make it as thin as an iPod though with IZGO, in cell, and A6X. Oh well. There are improvements that can be made!

 

[MareLuce]

If the iPhone needs an A6, why wouldn't something with a bigger screen like the iPad mini need it?

My purse is getting very impatient .

 

[Abazigal]

It might actually be true that Apple is about to announce a new New iPad with the A6 processor, lightning port and IGZO display.

You can see it this way: the new iPad with the A5X processor was just an updated version of the iPad 2 released in March 2011. In March 2012, Apple wasn't able to deliver a proper updated iPad 3 (remember all those reports about IGZO technology being not available yet: now, Sharp announced their factories produce enough displays to be used by a large number of tech companies, such as Apple). So, they incorporated a Retina screen, the A5X processor and more RAM to run the higher resolution and a massive battery needed for it. But in fact the actual major update was the Retina display.

And - admit it - it has just never felt right how long it takes to charge the new iPad and how large its battery is (plus, Apple just has to update its new iPad with the lightning connector - otherwise, it would be weird having a new iPhone 5 and iPad Mini with that type of connector and the big brother of the latter still using the 30-pin connector - and while doing so, why not just update the processor and the screen?)

So, people, get ready for some sweet Apple announcements in a couple of weeks!

That doesn't really leave them with much left to update next year's ipad with. If we go with true global LTE, improved screen and smaller dock, that leaves just more ram, unless Apple also plans to include an improved processor.

Also, you typically want to spread out your releases over the year so people don't feel like they are blowing a hole in their wallet buying a new iphone and iPad both at the same time.

Don't get me wrong - I am not bitter about my new ipad possibly becoming old news 6 months from the day I bought it - it just seems unprecedented that Apple would update its product line so soon, and with such incremental (albeit meaningful) changes. Not to mention that many people base their buying decisions off the assumption that Apple update their offerings just once a year like clockwork.

Just hope Tim knows what he is doing...

 

[entropys]

This is probably just an ipad3 with an A6 chip in it for testing to see how the A6 SOC does within the iPad's power envelope. It will not be released until next year in an ipad4, and quite likely have a different GPU to the A6 in the iPhone, as it will have an extra core.

As for any testing of the fabled iPad mini, the lack of any evidence of testing should get you eager beavers worried, although it is quite possible they're identical inside to an ipad2, so Apple could just use the same identifier to hide it.

 

[midwestfisherma]

I don't care is it's the Mini. But if they re-release the 3 half way through it's cycle with better specs I'm going to be pissed. I know technology gets better and better but if they update the current iPad with better specs so quickly I'll seriously be disappointed.

Actually the only people that will be pissed are the hipster wanna be's that have to have the latest, greatest and newest thing to show everyone how cool they are!

 

[carlos916]

Apple needs to start doing buy backs especially if they update products that are less than a year old =/

 

[slrandall]

I don't care is it's the Mini. But if they re-release the 3 half way through it's cycle with better specs I'm going to be pissed. I know technology gets better and better but if they update the current iPad with better specs so quickly I'll seriously be disappointed.

I will never understand this mindset. The iPhone 5 doesn't make my 4S any less awesome. A new iPad wouldn't affect yours. People who get pissed at progress are ****ing idiots.