iPad 3 release date, March 9th/16th? Feature enhance dual-core processor, no quad-core

iPad 3 rumors have been flying around all over the interwebs over the past 48 hours. From leaked images to announcement dates, we’ve had it all. And if I’m honest, all of it is sounding realistic, and very probable. The latest from The Verge is more confirmation that the current speculation is sounding pretty accurate.

The iPad 3 is expected to be slightly thicker than the second generation tablet, to make room for a more powerful battery. Extra battery juice is more than likely to compensate for the extra power required to fuel the more powerful A6 processor and double resolution display. Don’t expect the A6 to be quad-core though. As writer, Joshua Topolsky writes, Apple isn’t one to chase the market in terms of specs alone. If the iPad 3 can give fantastic performance running off a dual core processor, there’s no reason to have a more energy draining quad-core in there. The source supposedly confirms this theory. The A6 will be more powerful and have an advanced GPU for graphics, but will not feature more cores.

The writer also speculates that the announcement keynote could fall on February 29th. Last year’s launch was on March 2nd, and since this year’s a leap year, the last day in February could be a viable option, especially if Cupertino chiefs are aiming for a store release at the beginning of March. Devices usually launch on Fridays, so if it’s not the 9th it will almost certainly be the 16th.

Of course, this is all just hearsay at the moment. Take it as it is. I’m personally shooting for a launch on March 16th, hoping to be surprised with a release the week before.

Via: The Verge