It has been around nine months since the iPad has been released, and we are now already hearing rumors about the iPad 2. The next generation iPad could benefit from a plethora of potential additions and upgrades, but I don’t know how it is going to turn out when considering all of the rumors we’ve heard so far. There are plenty.
But here they are. All of the important ones you need to know about. Let’s get started, shall we?
Rumor: Three Versions of the iPad 2
It was a few months ago when we heard rumors of multiple iPad versions. This specific rumor, however, notes that there could be three different versions of the iPad 2. The first being Wi-Fi only, the next being Wi-Fi and UMTS, which is currently utilized by AT&T’s networks, and the last being Wi-Fi and CDMA, which is utilized by Verizon.
So this rumor isn’t so much a rumor as it is common sense. Apple wants to expand its reach with the iPad to as many users and networks as possible, so having one iPad 2 with Wi-Fi and then the other two supporting the two competing network technologies makes total sense.
This rumor is very likely to come true.
Rumor: Front and Rear-Facing Cameras
The one thing the iPad really disappointed me with was the lack of a camera on the darn thing. If it wasn’t for this, I probably would have considered purchasing one, but I have held out. Now it appears, with rumors a-buzzing, that my wish will come true and my patience will pay off.
The rumors are that the iPad 2 will have both a front- and rear-facing camera. This also makes sense because of Apple’s creation of Facetime, which enables people to communicate with audio and video. What better way to do that then while sitting in front of your iPad?
This rumor is also very likely to become reality.
Rumor: Retina Display
The iPhone really impressed with the development of its Retina display, which has an incredible pixel density that makes graphics, text, and video look crystal clear. Now there are rumors that the iPad will also receive the exceptional treatment of the Retina display.
This also make sense, because Apple regularly improves its display technology to provide its users with the best possible looking devices on the planet.
Obviously this one is likely to happen.
Rumor: Slimmer and Lighter Design
Another rumor floating about is that the iPad 2 will feature a slimmer and lighter design. I actually don’t know why this is a rumor. Obviously the iPad 2 will feature a slimmer and lighter design!
Definitely happening!
Rumor: iPad 2 With Flat Back
The iPhone 4 had a radical new design with the flat-back design. It is pretty awesome, and I like it even more than the curved design of the older generation iPhones. However, there is talk about this feature coming to the iPad.
The chance of this happening is truly a coin flip. If it were to be true, it would mean that the iPhone 4 and iPad would have a similar look, which might be what Apple is going for. We wouldn’t argue with that. However, there is also an argument to be said that the current design is fine.
The reason this rumor has any legs is because there was a leak of a third-party iPad 2 case that leaked to the Web. However, the chances of this case being real is also potentially a coin flip.
So will a flat back be coming to the iPad 2? Your guess is as good as mine.
Rumor: Wide-Range Speakers
A Japanese blog has recently claimed the the iPad 2 will have speakers that feature a wider metal mesh that will have greater capabilities in producing sound. In other words, the iPad might be making even more noise.
I can tell you right now from writing from my old Macbook that bigger speakers are definitely better (as my computer’s speakers are lame). If there is a way to make the iPad 2 sound better, than I think Apple would be happy to oblige the consumers. However, there is also the potential for Apple to make money for iPad docks and such that feature their own speaker systems.
This rumor is also a coin flip, but I certainly hope it comes true.
Rumor: iPad with USB
Apple has been known to skimp on ports for peripheral devices. The USB just so happens to be the one that is utilized most by third parties. However, the iPad doesn’t have a USB port. But could the iPad 2 possibly have one in store?
A rumor from the Economic Daily News claimed that the new tablet will have a USB port. This would be interesting because it would open up the potential for more third-party devices and allow users to more easily transfer files.
While the source is more reliable than most, it doesn’t much make sense that Apple would add a USB port after not including one on the original iPad. Also, with Apple’s push to the cloud, I think adding a USB port could possibly slightly negate some of Apple’s efforts in the cloud if they have anything big planned for future versions of iOS.
I’m doubtful, but it certainly could happen.
Rumor: Dual-Core CPU
Every computer loves to have more power, and a rumor from an analyst at Rodman & Renshaw stated that the next gen iPhone and iPad will have dual-core processors powered by 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 cores. This would give the devices a leg up on the competition, for sure. Not to mention that multitasking would become even easier.
It sounds cool and it sounds revolutionary. It is exactly what Apple does. I think this might actually happen.
Rumor: 7-Inch iPad
One of the hottest rumors of them all is that Apple will produce a 7-inch iPad 2. However, the rumor is filled with doubt because Steve Jobs completely shot down the possibility altogether during the company’s recent earnings call. He believes that the increased screen real estate by the larger screen sizes is necessary for tablet applications.
You heard it from the man yourself. It ain’t happening! I think it is far more likely that the iPhone 5 will grow a bit in size before the iPad 2 shrinks in size.
iPad Launch Date
The most important rumor of them all is when we will be able to get our hands on the iPad 2. We’ve heard January, March, and April all echoed throughout the Internet. However, some argue that it is more dependent on the launch of the next iPhone or the Verizon iPhone (if it actually happens this year).
The thought process here is that the iPad 2 and the next generation iPhone 5 or Verizon iPhone will likely have some time in between their announcements. This way they can each have their moment in the spotlight.
I really don’t have any idea of when these products will come to be, so I’m not even going to attempt to guess. But expect something big to be announced early on this year. What that something is… I just don’t know.
