A FAQ list on iPad 3 – What you need to know about iPad 3: release date, specs and more

The Apple iPad 3 has been a long anticipated hot spot worldwide recently. People have spent much energy and time on discussing what Apple iPad 3 would bring out and when. After much rumors and speculation, Apple has sent out invites to US press sites, confirming 7 March as the iPad 3 launch date, explaining in the invite that it has "something you really have to see. And touch." Today, I have made a collection on Apple iPad 3 in a FAQ list to show you what you need to know about iPad 3, including the iPad 3 release date, specs and more.

When will Apple iPad 3 be released?

The iPad 3 release date will be March or April 2012. We now know there will definitely be an iPad 3 launch event on 7 March and we'll probably also see the release of iOS 5.1 at the same time. The iPad 3 US release is probably set to early March while the European iPad 3 release might be in late March.

Will Apple iPad 3 adopt quad-core processor?

According to the rumors, it's probable that the iPad 3 will have a brand spanking new processor, Apple's A6 - which will surely be a quad-core ARM-based processor. Quad-core designs are coming from various ARM partners and the Tegra 3 has already been launched by Nvidia, as well as the Snapdragon S4 from Qualcomm.

What about the Apple iPad 3 display?

Or the question might be will a Retina display on the way on iPad 3? This is the one of the most anticipated features on our wish list. The exciting news is that it looks as though it is happening, with Apple reportedly testing suppliers' current shipments of 2048 x 1536 resolution 9.7-inch displays, which would make iPad 3 a full HD player to even play HD Blu-ray movies on iPad 3.

Will iPad 3 be named iPad 2S?

It is possible that the next iPad to be released soon might be named as iPad 2S, according to the report that an iPad case maker in China has started to sell a cover for a device it's calling 'iPad 2S'. And from the iPhone 4S, we might also see that possibility.

Will there be a LTE iPad 3?

According to the Wall Street Journal report on February 14^th that: "Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. will sell a version of the coming iPad that runs on their newest fourth-generation wireless networks, according to people familiar with the matter", there might be an LTE iPad 3 version.

Update: The latest news from AppleInsider suggests that the next Apple iPad might be named as iPad HD with a Retina display, sourcing from case makers. 

What about the OS of iPad 3?

The iPad 3 is most probably going to adopt iOS 5.0, but there is possibility that we'll see iOS 5.1 come out of beta in March for iPad 3.

What about iPad 3 battery?

A back housing image of iPad 3 leaked has suggested that the Apple iPad 3 will include more battery power, which is quite reasonable, for the large screen and upgraded hardware configurations.

Will iPad 3 support NFC?

NFC is also long anticipated in Apple devices, like iPhone 5 and iPad 3. Rumors go that iPhone 5 will use NFC to take over nearby Macs, enabling you to use your data and settings with a flick of the wrist. Many devices of other manufacturers have included NFC support. The iPad 3 is also most probably to add this.

Will iPad 3 include more storage?

With the full upgrade of HD movies and video playback, 300dpi PDF eBook, improved camera resolution, etc. the memory capacity is for sure to be extended at least double, in 32G to 128G.

Will a Thunderbolt port be included in iPad 3?

The first two generations of iPads are all USB-free which may suggest Apple might not add Thunderbolt port to iPad. But the new Thunderbolt port in the 2011 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air could be another story. From my personal point of view, there might not include a Thunderbolt port.

Would iPad 3 be thicker?

The iPad 3 might be bulking out, reportedly so it can house a higher-resolution display than the iPad 2, and the extra girth is all down to pixel density.

Will SD card slot be included?

This was widely predicted for the iPad 2 and, like the Retina Display, didn't materialise. One for version 3, perhaps? Using a separate adapter to read camera cards is rather inelegant and clunky.

Will a better camera be included in iPad 3?

Camera resolution of iPad and iPhone has also been a disadvantage for Apple. The rear-facing camera on the iPad 2 isn't brilliant, while an iPhone 4S-style camera and flash would make iPad 3 more perfectly. Several reports are suggesting the new device will have an 8MP camera.

Will iPad 3 use gesture controls?

Could the iPad 3 have Kinect-style gesture controls? We're not so sure, but rumours suggested so in late October 2011.

The iPad 3 could feature a carbon fibre case

Apple has hired a carbon fibre expert, senior composites engineer Kevin Kenney, fuelling speculation that the next iPad could be encased in the lightweight material.

What is the price of iPad 3?

Speculation suggests that the iPad 3 price will be $579, rather than the $499 users are currently paying for a Wi-Fi-only 16GB iPad 2. In fact, the prices of iPad 3 would be varied due to different variants, like 3G version and Wi-Fi+3G version. Check the price of iPad 3 for detailed information.