Part Numbers Suggest Imminent Availability of iPad 3 and New Apple TV

[MacRumors]

9to5Mac reports that reliable source Mr. X has revealed part numbers for at least some models of the iPad 3 as well as an updated Apple TV set-top box.

According to the report, Apple is releasing three different variants of the new iPad, going by code names J1, J2, and J2a, with the presumption being that J1 corresponds to a Wi-Fi only model while the J2 variants correspond to models with cellular data capabilities. The part numbers also include reference to the J33 product that had previously been identified as a new Apple TV.

MD328LL/A - J1 GOOD B- USA
MD329LL/A - J1 BETTER B-USA
MD330LL/A - J1 BEST-B-USA

MD366LL/A - J2A GOOD A-USA
MD367LL/A - J2A BEST A-USA
MD368LL/A - J2A BEST A-USA

MD369LL/A - J2A GOOD B-USA
MD370LL/A - J2A BETTER B-USA
MD371LL/A - J2A BEST B-USA

MD199LL/A - J33 BEST -USA

The report indicates that iPad 3 shipments are indeed already making their way around the world in advance of the device's introduction, suggesting that customers should see availability come relatively quickly after the media event.

Speculation based on the part numbers suggest that the J1 variant (presumably the Wi-Fi only models) may come in only one color at launch. Part numbers are also showing a mystery "B82" product launching alongside the new iPads and Apple TV. It is unclear what that product is, but is likely to be a new accessory of some sort.

Apple is expected to introduce the iPad 3 at a media event rumored for March 7, while we have believed for some time that the upgraded iPad 3 would pave the way for an update to the Apple TV and higher-resolution iTunes Store content.

Update: Three more part numbers corresponding to the "J1" iPad 3 have been added:

MC705LL/A - J1 GOOD A-USA
MC706LL/A - J1 BETTER A-USA
MC707LL/A - J1 BEST A-USA

Article Link: Part Numbers Suggest Imminent Availability of iPad 3 and New Apple TV

 

[nwcs]

I'll be getting both but I sure do hope they offer a way of upgrading previously purchased HD content for people who upgrade the Apple TV. Something like what they did with music when they upped the bit rate and removed DRM.

Of course, it would also be great if they removed DRM on purchased video but that won't happen anytime soon.

 

[Mal]

MD367LL/A - J2A BEST A-USA
MD368LL/A - J2A BEST A-USA

Mistake, or interesting lineup change?

jW

 

[Diode]

I just hope the new AppleTV natively supports 24bit audio.

 

[lifeinhd]

To be honest, I kind expected Apple TV 3 at the same time. Makes sense to advertise/sell them together, with 1080p capabilities and AirPlay

 

[Winter Charm]

Wow. I'm super excited for the new Apple TV - in combination with MLion and Airplay on all my iDevices and whatever else Cupertino has cooked up for us, I'm sure it will be absolutely awesome

I just can't wait!

 

[nwcs]

I just hope the new AppleTV natively supports 24bit audio.

I wouldn't count on that. Probably will have the same digital audio out. Especially if they're keeping the same form factor. I'm expecting an upgrade to A5 and 1080p as being the only significant changes. Although I hope they finally make iTunes Extra content work and that they allow us to group TV shows by title!

 

[acidfast7]

quad-core in the ATV3?

would be nice to have 1080p direct play in PLEX.

it's really necessary with Air Play Mirroring.

 

[ghostface147]

No invites yet?

 

[MRU]

I hope ATV has more new feature than just 1080p support (my broadband barely supports 720p ) such as more storage and application support for some select apps that would be suited to the device (bbc iPlayer, sky news etc).

Either way, bring on the good stuff. It's gonna be an expensive March

 

[jayducharme]

I should have checked the rumor mill first; I just bought an Apple TV this past weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to exchange it when the new one comes out....

 

[RoelJuun]

I would so love to buy this couple for my parents. They just bought a Full HD television so the TV would come in handy. They also hate laptop touch pads and file-systems making the iPad ideal.

 

[Rudy69]

It's going to be an expensive Spring :/ I'm planning to:

- Replace my aTV (1st gen) with a 3rd gen
- Buy an iPad 3 (I used to have a 1st gen but sold it a long time ago
- Buy a 27" iMac with an SSD (I've had one of each generation of the 27" iMac and sold them shortly before the new one....but unfortunately I ended up selling my old one just before Fall)
- Maybe a new MBA if the changes are big enough

 

[d0vr]

What's the chance B82 is a thunderbolt adapter?

 

[AppleMad98004]

CNBC Breaking News

CNBC is reporting an official launch in New York City next week!

iPad 3 with 4G.....

 

[Acerone]

I don't think the event will be on the 7th of March after all. That's only 8 days away..

 

[Cynicalone]

Only 1 color of wi-fi model? That will cause some bitching.

Hopefully the new AppleTV box supports more apps.

 

[Diode]

I wouldn't count on that. Probably will have the same digital audio out. Especially if they're keeping the same form factor. I'm expecting an upgrade to A5 and 1080p as being the only significant changes. Although I hope they finally make iTunes Extra content work and that they allow us to group TV shows by title!

With the article below this talking about HD audio - maybe it will be a talking point / launching of the service? One can hope

 

[djrod]

What's the chance B82 is a thunderbolt adapter?

Nop.

1 .- TB is expensive, do you want to buy a $50 wire to charge/sync your iPad?

2.- TB is waaay too fast for the iPad flash memory speed, so no improvement here in transfer speed.

 

[GoGa]

I don't think the event will be on the 7th of March after all. That's only 8 days away..

They will probably be sent out tomorrow

I'm starting to get excited

 

[Eduardo1971]

Cool!

Now I'll finally be able to buy the new Apple TV. Let's hear it for 1080!!

Now, all we just need is an official Apple announcent for the event.

This seems like a sure thing- Homer J. Simpson (D-oh!) err, Mr. X is usually spot-on!

 

[commander.data]

So do the two different cellular iPad 3 part numbers just represent two colors or mean that the iPad 3 will retain separate models for GSM and CDMA? Or perhaps separate 3G and 4G models? A unified cellular model would be preferred of course.

 

[WoodNUFC]

Really can't wait for a new AppleTV. ATV2 has been the best purchase I've made for my media consumption. Granted that has a lot to do with Plex, but if this new one has a better processor, we may be able to stream HD OTA/QAM HDHomerun/EyeTV feeds to it. (That's my wish anyway.)

 

[Apple Key]

Apple's making a TV? So the rumors are true!

 

[thekeyring]

Makes sense as the Apple TV is on the list of accessories when you're ordering an iPad 2 via the Apple Online Store. Maybe the A5X was for the new Apple TV, with A6 going into the iPad 3.