iPad 3 may have larger camera, tapered case

A larger camera and a tapered case loom as the distinguishing features of Apple Inc.'s next-generation iPad, if photos leaked from Chinese websites are to be believed.

 

Enthusiast site AppleInsider cited high-quality photos from a Chinese publication show the new iPad will have a larger rear-facing camera than the iPad 2.

 

The photos also show the iPad 3 will likely use a slightly redesigned case as compared to previous models, it added.

 

It also quoted Taiwanese publication Apple Daily as indicating the change "was made to accommodate an 8 megapixel sensor."

 

"This would be a significant jump in resolution for the tablet, though a much-welcomed upgrade from the harshly-reviewed 1MP camera found on the iPad 2," it said. 

 

AppleInsider noted previously leaked photos of an alleged "iPad 3" prototype case showed that the size of the camera hole was similar to that of the iPad 2, but it was noted that there was a change in how the sensor would be mounted.

 

In comparison, it said the iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPhone 4 all have higher resolution imagers at 2MP, 3.2MP and 5MP, respectively.

 

"The newest iPhone 4S has one of the best on-phone cameras in the world, boasting redesigned optics and a backside illuminated 8MP sensor capable of shooting 1080p videos," it said.

 

Larger battery?

 

Also, AppleInsider noted changes in the case of the alleged next-generation iPad - more beveled than its predecessor.

 

"This slight change in design is consistent with previously-published images of the back case, and is supposedly meant to afford more space for a larger battery," it said.

 

It also noted earlier rumors that the next iPad may sport a Sharp manufactured Retina Display with a pixel density similar to that of the iPhone 4S, wireless 4G LTE connectivity and a proprietary A6 CPU.

 

Logic board with 'ASX' chip

 

Enthusiast site MacRumors cited forum posts at Chinese site WeiPhone showing what appeared to be a photo of the iPad 3's logic board with an "ASX" system-on-a-chip.

 

It noted Apple had been expected to upgrade the iPad 3's processor and graphics, initially believed to be dubbed the A6.

 

The A4 had appeared in the original iPad, while the A5 had appeared in the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S.

 

"But if this photo is to be believed, that assumption appears to have been incorrect, with Apple instead having branded the upgraded package with the A5X name," it said.

 

Also, MacRumors noted a date code of "1146" on the A5X hinting it was manufactured in the 46th week of 2011 - about November 14 to 20. 

 

Likewise seen in the photos were a pair of 16-GB flash memory chips from Hynix and a rectangular Apple-branded chip that appears to correspond to power management chips found in previous iPad teardowns.

 

Introduction

 

Apple is expected to introduce the iPad 3 at a media event on March 7, with the device expected to have an ultra high-resolution display and LTE capabilities.

 

Other claims have suggested that it will carry a slightly more tapered case design and perhaps offer an 8-megapixel rear camera. — TJD, GMA News