The newest rumors surrounding the iPad 3 indicate that Apple is planning on releasing two different models in 2012. It is unknown whether or not Apple plans on using the A6 processor with the iPad 3. It has also been speculated that Apple might push back the release of the iPad 3 to the second quarter of 2012 so that Apple has enough time to add a retina display as well.

Some tech insiders seem to think that Apple will release a first version of the newest iPad during the spring months like normal. Some feel it will be called the iPad 2S. These people then thing the “true iPad 3” will be released later in the year – perhaps in the late summer or earlier fall months.

There is some evidence to support the case for two different iPad models. A little while back Digitimes reported that the iPad 3 was headed into production and was headed for a March release. However, things point to a slightly upgraded iPad 2, instead of a brand-new, unique, iPad 3.

Apple doesn’t seem to be too terribly worried about rushing another model out onto the market and rightfully so. Apple still has a large market share of the tablet market and has steadily held it since the release of the original iPad.

However, with that being said, Apple knows it is in their best interests to release another revolutionary version of the iPad. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that Apple will indeed be releasing two new versions of the iPad in the coming year.

Jeff Fidacaro, a financial analyst, has said that Apple has started producing the iPad 3. This is just one of the many headlines surrounding Apple over past few weeks. Apple has been making headlines after the death of Steve Jobs, the release of iOS5, iCloud, and the release of the new iPhone 4s.

Fidacaro says that he found the evidence of the iPad 3 by looking at Apple’s supply chain decks. Fidacaro stated, “Since our last month supply chain checks, we are now seeing 600,000 to 1-million iPad 3 builds showing up on the fourth quarter of this calendar year.”

It was recently reported that the components for the iPad 3 were being produced in preparation for the manufacturing stage. However, it appears that the complete iPad 3 is being produced, albeit in early production runs. However, even if the iPad 3 is not being produced in mass numbers, it’s safe to say that Apple is probably producing prototypes and components for the upcoming iPad 3.

There is one possible reason Apple may have ramped up production this month: the holiday shopping season. Apple could have just boosted production so that they can ensure Apple stores are fully stocked this shopping season. Every year, plenty of Apple stores run out of one type of product, so perhaps Apple is just trying to prepare to meet the demand for Apple products this fall.

This is one possible explanation for Apple’s production increase. It’s all just speculation though, Apple has been unpredictable for the past decade, so who knows what Apple is really doing.

As most of you know, Steve Jobs has recently passed away at the age of 56. His official cause of death was listed as respiratory arrest. Our prayers go out to him and his family, we will definitely remember him forever. With Steve Jobs gone, you have to wonder if Apple will be able to continue producing the same amazing products. The iPad 3 is still not expected until 2012, and none of us know how exactly it will be impacted by his death. We will definitely have more news as we come closer to the release date.

Rumors have surfaced that the iPad 3 will have curved glass as part of a design overhaul. Some tech devices like the Google Nexus S already have curved glass. Currently, the fifth generation iPod nano has curved glass, which does mean it is possible that Apple made add it to the iPad 3.

However, there is one major reason that the iPad 3 may not have curved glass. The whole point of curved glass is to give a caller better comfort when the device is placed against your face. The iPad is not a phone so it does not really make sense for the iPad to get curved glass, unless it is for style purposes only.

Tech companies are desperately attempting to gain an edge over the competition by introducing curved glass onto their gadgets. Some rumors have reported that Apple has bought glass-polishing equipment in preparation for the new generation of Apple devices containing curved glass

While the iPad 3 will only be released next summer, the rumors are already starting to heat up about the design and features. What do you think about the iPad 3? What will it look like? Will it contain curved glass or not?