With Apple expected to release its successor to the iPad 2 in early-2012, alleged iPad 3 parts have leaked out into the wild. The parts suggest that Apple is ready to introduce a revolutionary new design for its upcoming tablet, as the device’s internals appear to be arranged way differently.
The iPad 3’s dock connector and ribbon cable leaked a couple months ago. These new microphone parts are currently available for purchase from a Chinese retailer.
CydiaBlog spotted the leak:
The new part, when compared with iPad 2, shows a different arrangement in internal circuitry, hinting a major re-design. The tail end of the part makes a “U-turn”, whereas the iPad 2′s Microphone Mic Flex Cable makes almost 90-degree turn both ways. Except for few details, the leaked part so far doesn’t offer a tantalizing tease.
Internal design changes, even changes this significant, don’t necessarily prove that a revamped external design is on the way. The iPhone’s internals changed when the CDMA iPhone 4 was introduced, but the device’s physical design stayed exactly the same.
This alleged iPad 3 microphone part can be purchased from Chinese retailer TVC-Mall for about $6.50.
Very little is known about the iPad 3’s physical design, but most reports have suggested that the tablet will receive a display upgrade. Suppliers are allegedly lined up to make high-res, Retina display-like screens for Apple’s 2012 tablets.
(via MacRumors)
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
