Rumour: iPad 3 ‘to launch in four months’

The next generation iPad 3 will be launched in three to four months, according to reports.

“Sources in the supply chain” have reportedly told DigiTimes that the latest Apple tablet can be expected early next year, with parts and components being delivered to OEM contractors to begin production.

The sources added that manufacturing of the iPad 2 will remain high for the fourth quarter of 2011 at 14-15 million units, but will greatly decrease to four to five million units in the first quarter of 2012.

The website also reports that Foxconn Electronics will start production of the iPad 3 in January, citing a market analyst speaking to the Chinese-based Commercial Times.

If the rumours are true 2012 looks set to be another big year for Apple, with production expected to start soon on the Apple iTV for a late 2012 launch.