Apple next-gen announcement is less than 24 hours away. What should you expect from the big announcement? Here’s what I think is likely to take place at the event – hopefully I’m not too far off the mark!
Name
While some rumors have suggested that Apple may called the next iPad an iPad HD, and numerous recent reports seem to back this up, I’d suspect that it’s unlikely. My money is on Apple calling their next-gen device the iPad 3.
Release Date
Possible release dates have ranged everywhere from almost immediately after Wednesday’s event to mid-March to the end of the month. In reality, it’s pretty difficult to say. Recent rumors stating that devices have already shipped to the United States, however, and reports that Best Buy may have already received iPad 3 cases lead me to believe that the device will be released no more than a week or so after the announcement.
More recent reports have suggested that Apple may launch the iPad 3 on March 16th, and may hold a separate event after the announcement to announce the official launch of the device
Pricing
While one dubious rumor suggested that Apple might raise the price for the iPad 3, there’s really no decent reason to believe this will happen. I’m counting on Apple to release the next iPad at the same price points as the iPad 2 when it was launched.
Specs & Other Announcements
As far as what we’re likely to see when it comes to specs, or other items announced during the event, my bets are as follows, in order of likelihood. A full roundup of rumors and reasoning can be found over in our iPad 3 rumor roundup.
Likely
- Retina Display
- Faster Processor
- New 3rd-generation Apple TV
- iOS 5.1
- Better Cameras
- Similar form factor, slightly thicker than the iPad 2
Possible
- LTE 4G support
- Office for iPad
- Siri
- iPhoto or Aperture for iPad
- Updated Smart Cover with real protection
- Better battery life
Unlikely
- Apple will release a smaller iPad
- iPad 3 will lack a home button
What are your thoughts? Anything you think I missed?
