There have been a number of possible iPad 3 parts leaked over the past few weeks and months. M.I.C. Gadget has managed to get their hands on enough parts to fully assemble the exterior of the iPad 3 and get a feel for its dimensions and design.
iPad 3, as we said before is the same size in terms of memory. 16GB, 32GB and 64GB are the flavors of the day here, no surprises. Readers will also be pleased to know that the price has not increased either. We at M.I.C. feel that this is because the rumored LTE will not be integrated. As indicated in our previous in depth article to Apple’s mobile strategy, we said there was a very limited market for LTE at this time. Also, the LTE chipset adds an extra cost to each unit, which the normal Qualcomm 3G chipset does not incur. We also feel that it will most likely be added to the next model, as opposed to this one. Our sources concur with us on this as well.
According to the report, the iPad 3 appears to work with the current iPad 2 Smart Cover, and due to its relatively minute difference in thickness, will likely work with other iPad 2 accessories as well, as long as they are not form-fit to the iPad 2.
The most interesting aspect of this is that all of the leaked parts actually fit together, increasing the likelihood that they are authentic parts that will actually be used for the next-gen iPad. The partially assembled iPad 2 shows a slightly thicker shell, a larger camera lens hole, and a somewhat more tapered design.
We’ll all know for sure which iPad 3 rumors are and aren’t true when Apple unveils the device at their media event this Wednesday, March 7th.
