The iPad 3 could launch in April 2012, as contractors have begun to receive parts for the new tablets from component makers in the supply chain.
According to a report from Digitimes, deliveries of parts for iPad 2 devices have been cut in order to help increase productivity in preparation for the next gen iPad.
Phase out
Production of the iPad 2 remains high, at 14-15 million units in Q4 of 2011, but will drop off to as low as 4-5 million units in Q1 2012.
DigiTimes also cites sources in the supply chain, revealing that 9.5-9.8 million iPad 3 units are expected to be manufactured with Q1 2012, while sales of all iPad products have reached 26 million in the first three quarters of 2011.
This figure could rise as high as 40 million units by the end of the year.
