iPad 2

Want an iPad 2 with a sharp Retina display? Not so fast. First of all, an actual Retina display matching the iPhone 4 resolution won't happen now due to technical reasons. Nevertheless, Apple seems to be planning an improvement in the iPad screen, but when?

Previous reports had cited files in the iOS 4.3 developer beta firmware that were designed for an iPad 2 screen with quadruple the resolution of the current iPad model. 2048 x 1536 pixels would be the size, enough for a formidable pixel density of 260ppi on the iPad's 9.7 inch screen.

MacRumors has uncovered more evidence of an iPad 2 camera in the latest Apple iOS firmware. iOS 4.3 beta 2 has made its way into the hands of developers, and icons for Camera, Photo Booth, and FaceTime apps can be found in the release.

The icons appear in a small image (homeScreenOverlayFaceTime~ipad.png) which is used to preview iPad home screen wallpaper. In the current firmware iOS 4.2, this same file shows all of the standard iPad icons but these three camera-specific apps are missing. It's possible Apple could ship the iPad 2 with only one front-facing camera, although other evidence points to two cameras on the iPad 2.

Three listings in Best Buy's online and internal store databases were discovered showing new iPad model SKUs and pricing for unknown products that are coming soon. The listings pictured below have since been removed from both the internal database and the Best Buy website.

Pricing and SKU numbers don't match up with current iPad models in the store. For example, the $699.99 64GB iPad has an SKU number of 9811424, while one mystery "unreleased product" with the same price is identified as SKU 1945674. All three of the new SKUs are labeled APPLE IPAD SKU WIFI.

Apple watchers are expecting Apple to release the iPad 2 this spring, packed with new features and a refined form factor. Aside from various mock-ups of the next generation iPad appearing at CES this year, several recent leaks from industry insiders are painting a more detailed picture of what the iPad 2 hardware will include.

Similar to Apple's improvements to the iPhone 4 with the Retina display, AppleInsider discoveries have been made indicating a quadrupling of screen resolution is in the works for the iPad 2. Thanks to the release of iOS 4.3 beta firmware, developers have found graphics in the iBooks application that have two different resolutions.

It's safe to say Digg founder Kevin Rose has a few contacts in the tech industry. One reliable source tells him the iPad 2 will be revealed by Apple in the next three to four weeks. A special iPad 2 event may even take place on Tuesday, February 1, 2011.

Next generation iPad mock-ups like the one pictured above have been floating around at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Several iPad 2 case photos and other leaks have given iPad watchers a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Apple may not officially be at CES 2011, but a model of the next generation iPad made an appearance anyway. iPad case manufacturer Dexim featured the aluminum iPad 2 mock-up as it was showing off iPad 2 cases.

Although the exact dimensions of the iPad 2 can't be verified, the mock-up appeared to match several recent leaks and photos of iPad 2 cases. Apple's next generation tablet is widely expected to feature a flat back, beveled sides like the iPod touch, and a thinner profile.

More evidence now points to a next generation iPad that sports tapered edges, a contoured back with camera, and slimmer profile. The current model iPod touch looks to be an inspiration for the iPad design update as leaked case images reveal.

Not only have several iPad 2 case photos been leaked online, the schematics for a case mold were recently pulled from 9to5 Mac at the request of an unnamed manufacturer. Assuming the case mold drawings are real, they show an updated form factor matching the tapered shape seen in many of the iPad 2 case designs.

Reports surrounding dual camera placement on the iPad 2 have reached a fever pitch. What's clear is that Apple must significantly upgrade the iPad hardware to retain its leading position in the tablet market. Evidence is mounting that front and rear-facing cameras will be integrated into the next-generation device.

Several designs for iPad 2 cases have been spotted on Chinese websites. Whether these reflect the final design of iPad 2 remains to be seen, however they include a camera hole in the back of the case. There's also an unexplained gap in the lower right of the case, which some have speculated will accommodate a larger speaker or even an SD card.