Treating yourself to an iPad 2 this Christmas? Well, you may want to hold onto your cash for a few months. According to sources in Apple’s supply chain, manufacturers have already begun shipping parts and components for the iPad 3, which is expected to launch in just 3–4 months.
In addition to shipping parts and components for the third-generation iPad, manufacturers have reduced their supply of components for the existing second-generation device, according to a new DigiTimes report:
OEM production of iPad 2 will remain high at 14-15 million units in the fourth quarter of 2011 but decline to 4-5 million units in the first quarter of 2012, paving the way for the launch of the new iPads, the sources noted.
The new iPad — which is expected to be the first to boast a high-resolution Retina display — is set to enter production in January, according to Kevin Chang, and analyst with Citigroup. Production will increase during February ahead of the device’s launch in March or April.
[via MacRumors]