iPad 3, iPad HD or iPad 2 Pro Coming This Fall Since Rumors Say So

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Steve Jobs & Co. were more than clear back in March when the iPad 2 was unveiled that 2011 was going to be the year of the iPad 2. So then why do we keep seeing rumor after rumor popping out all over the web saying that Apple will have a new iPad 3 / iPad 2 HD or iPad 2 Pro or Plus launched later this year, possibly at the same time the iPhone 4s/5 gets official?

Did Apple lie when they claimed 2011 is the year of the iPad 2? If we take that statement literally then it means the iPad 3 will only be launched at some point in 2012. If we take it metaphorically, we’ll agree with Apple: 2011 is indeed the year of the iPad 2 considering the fact that the iPad 2 is selling like hot cakes and no other tablet out there stands a chance of beating such sales, not even an iPad 3 which won’t be able to match the iPad 2 sales in just a few months.

So, depending on how you look at it, the statement above is true, 2011 is the year of the iPad 2. But let’s get back to the iPad 3 / iPad HD / iPad Pro rumors. They originate from China, which is something we’ve gotten used to when it comes to new Apple rumors, where Digitimes has found out that Apple is looking for a second iPad manufacturer.

Foxconn may be joined by either Quanta Computer or Pegatron Technology, and Apple will use at least two manufacturers to make iPad 3 tablets. Pegatron seems to be the favorite here as the company is also going to build the iPhone 5 for Apple, although we have no way of actually confirming such Apple intentions. Digitimes also notes that a possible reason for Apple’s expansion plans is the recent explosion that took place at Foxconn’s Chengdu production base which affected iPad production. In other words we may not see an iPad 3 or any other kind of iPad 2 model this year as Apple may simply be looking for means to increase iPad 2 production.