Rumor: iPad 3 still looking like a 2S according to new “sources,” also to be released in March

Another source is claiming that the iPad 3 will actually look more like an iPad 2S than a complete redesign. Macotakara has some independent sources who seem to be re-affirming iLounge’s news from yesterday, albeit a day after their story hit the Internet.

While that news may be important, we’ve already heard it. However, Macotakara has added some new information to the equation today: Foxconn Technology and Pegatron Technology are ramping up work on the iPad 3 (or 2S), in an attempt to meet a March release date.

From Macotakara, and translated from Japanese to English:

According to Chinese source, Foxconn Technology and Pegatron Technology started next generation of iPad assembly with Foxconn bearing 85% and Pegatron taking 15% of the production load like as iPhone 4S. Accelerated schedule is made possible by earlier Chinese New Year festival, 23rd-28th January. This first lot production implements LCD’s, which are produced by Sharp Electronics Corporation, and aims to be shipped at early March, source told.

Yesterday we heard from iLounge, who got some hands on time with the next iPad at CES. Today we’re hearing almost the exact same specs from Macotakara. It’s really difficult to believe that Macotakara has independently confirmed the rumors from iLounge this quickly. It seems a little too Johnny-on-the-spot for us, but we’ll leave it up to you.

A Spring shipment date is pretty much a norm for the iPad at this point, so it’s not too much of a leap to assume that the iPad 3 could be released in March. We should also point out that the last time we heard a release schedule from the Macotakara bunch they claimed the iPad 3 would ship in October of 2011. So yeah, there’s that.

Read ??OEM???????iPad??????? (told you it was Japanese) on Macotakara

Jeff Cochin has more than ten years of experience in data recovery, management and warehousing. On Macgasm he mostly writes about Apple news and software reviews. Jeff's journey with Macbooks began in 2008, showcasing his enduring commitment to the Apple ecosystem. He proudly owns an iPhone 14, rounding out his tech arsenal. Jeff holds a master's degree in computer science from the University of Delaware. Apart from Macgasm, you can find Jeff on other tech platforms like Insanely Mac, Onmac, and Applenaps, where he shares his valuable insights and expertise.