Foxconn Electronics and Pegatron Technology have reportedly begun production of Apple’s next-generation iPad 3. The new device is expected to boast a high-resolution Retina display from Sharp, according to one report, with a launch scheduled for early March.
Japanese blog Macotakara, a site that’s previously been impressively accurate with its Apple reports, cites Chinese sources who have confirmed that Foxconn and Pegatron have now received orders from Apple for its third-generation iPad, which will launch in early March.
The device will be identical to the iPad 2, according to the report — with the same button configuration, dock connector, and camera positions — but with a slightly thicker body and a new high-resolution 2048 x 1536 display from Sharp.
Your iPad 2’s Smart Cover will reportedly be compatible with the new device, but some fitted cases may not thanks to that added bulk.
These claims mirror those we’ve already seen from a number of recent reports, the most notable of which was a report from iLounge published yesterday, which claims to have gone hands-on with a rear shell from the new device. iLounge also reports the iPad 3 will get a new rear-facing camera similar to that of Apple’s new iPhone 4S. Macotakara’s report does not mention this, however.
Pegatron will assemble 85% of the new devices, sources claim, with Foxconn only producing 15%.
[via 9to5Mac]
