The one glaring inconsistency in DigiTimes most recent iPad rumour was the idea of two major revisions launching within one year.

While a March roll out for a 'full HD' iPad 3 seems realistic, the concept of a higher-spec sequel hitting the shelves just six months later – a strategy that would represent a complete departure from the norm for Apple – is comparatively far fetched.

It didn't take long for technology blogger John Gruber of Daring Fireball to insinuate as much, taking to his blog to declare a March launch as "completely accurate", before rubbishing all talk of iPad 4 in 2012.

Half and half

"Wait a minute. What's going on here?" opened Gruber, who is noted for his firm handle on all things Apple.

"A DigiTimes report about Apple and the iPad that's completely accurate? No completely made-up nonsense? Is something wrong with me?"

Gruber followed by making reference to the 'killer application' equipped iPad 4, due for launch in October according to DigiTimes.

"OK, phew, what a relief," he concluded.

Gruber has previously told MacWorld he expects Apple to either continue to sell the existing iPad 2 alongside any new models, or launch a lower-end retina-free SKU sporting the current 1024 x 768 display.

[source: Apple Insider]