Apple's Next iPad to be Smaller, Faster; Also Have Same Old Resolution

An unusual number of details are circulating about the next iPad, considering Apple normally has its releases on lockdown. Recent leaks have not been particularly specific, but they do provide an overall sense of what can be expected from Apple's next offering.

In terms of size and design, insiders say that the next generation iPad will be both thinner and lighter, and could feature a speaker grille. It will also have a front-facing camera for Apple's FaceTime video chatting software.

The iPad 2 should maintain the same 1024 x 768 screen resolution that the current iPad features. Internally, there will be several hardware upgrades, as Apple improves memory storage, processor speed, and includes a better graphics processor.

Analysts from Piper Jaffray & Co. estimate that, between the current version and the release of the iPad 2, 27 million iPads will sell in 2011. Another analyst firm, IHS iSuppli, agrees that this year should see record iPad sales, but also believes that Apple will not be able to sustain the 75% market share it enjoyed last quarter with steeper competition this year. IHS estimates that iPads will account for less than 50% of the tablet market, while the number of Android devices surges.

There's also no word yet on Apple unveiling the iPad 2 to the public. Last week TabletPCReview reported that Apple could very possibly include an iPad 2 showing at an iOS 4.3 release event. However, Apple just released a third beta version for the operating system, so the full release, and a chance for an iPad 2 appearance, will not come until later this month.