iPad 3 to launch with iPhone 5?

According to a leaked Apple report, September may well see the launch of a new iPad (iPad 3) with the much anticipated release of the iPhone 5.

This release of the new tablet would be months ahead of the expected arrival of the product in March or April 2012.

But why would Apple release 2 iPads in a year? The new device is said to feature:

- faster chips
- possibly dual core
- near-field communications technology
- a possibly SD card slots and USB
- thinner
- 3D

The big feature is the display. The iPhone 4's so-called Retina Display has long been coveted by iPad owners. The arrival of such a display on the iPad would be amazing with an iPad 3 screen with the resolution of 326 pixels per inch resulting in a higher resolution display than that found on Apple's largest 27-inch iMac.

The idea to launch a new iPad may have repercussions though. It would most definitely infuriate iPad 2 owners. Releasing a new version less than a year after the iPad 2 would cause considerable discontent and potential damage to the brand overall. That's why the rumoured iPhone 4Gs is off the cards.

Secondly, Apple would look as though they are rushing things. Apple controls the tablet market, they're only competitors being Android tabs. The RIM PlayBook is nowhere near touching the iPad's tablet dominance.

So will they launch an iPad 3? It remains an outside bet BUt the rumour mill is starting.