iPhone 5 and iPad 3 Release Date: Possible New Product Designs Planned for Apple in 2012
Recent reports indicate that Apple is planning design overhauls for a number of its products in 2012.
Insiders suggested that the next iPhone and iPad may be at the forefront of the redesign.
Sources have told DigiTimes, a technology website, that Apple's current inventory contains enough key parts and components to produce at least 2 million units of the next iPad by the end of 2011.
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DigiTimes' sources reported that Apple manufacturers are currently developing "flat panel modules and LED light bars" to be featured on two iPad prototypes that are currently known by code names, J1 and J2.
The iPhone was the center of rumors for months preceding the launch of the current iPhone 4S.
Insiders believed that Apple would produce a completely revamped iPhone 5 in 2011; however, the new rumors of a complete Apple overhaul are more in tune with major updates for the iPhone 5.
Several analysts have deduced that the next generation iPhone will be the last Apple smartphone to release with major influence from Steve Jobs, the company’s late cofounder and CEO.
They also suggested that Jobs headlined the development of the next iPhone until his resignation from Apple and eventual death.
News reports have said that Jobs left behind at least four years of ideas for new Apple products, suggesting that his influence may be seen in Apple products at least through 2015.
A number of models in the iPod family are accustomed to receiving frequent major updates, especially the iPod Nano, noted Business-Insider.
Reports have also indicated that the iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle may be discontinued to usher in a complete product line of touch screen devices for Apple.
Business-Insider also noted that the iMac has not received a major update in at least two years and could possibly be a major focus in the overhaul.
DigiTimes' sources claim that the next-generation iPhone and iMac will most likely be revealed in the second half of 2012.
