Apple To Release New Versions Of iPad in 2011

Apple's next-generation iPad could arrive in three versions, each offering a different way to connect to the Internet, according to a report from a Taiwanese news website.

The second-gen iPad might also go into production as soon as the second half of January, according to a report from the website DigiTimes.

Industry sources, citing upstream component makers, told the website that Apple will ship the second-generation iPad in January with a mix of iPads equipped with three different Internet connection options: Wi-Fi and the 3G wireless standards of UMTS and CDMA.

"In addition to wireless functions, Apple is also working on strengthening the iPad 2's anti-smudge and anti-reflective treatments in order to compete against Kindle and attract more consumers," the web site added.

DigiTimes also reported that about 60% to 65% of current iPad shipments are models equipped with both 3G and Wi-Fi capabilities, versus Wi-Fi-only models, and that Apple is working closely with telecommunications companies to offer more wireless options for the iPad 2.

In the U.S., 3G service for the iPad is only available for the iPad through AT&T, though other carriers such as Verizon and Sprint sell 3G mobile hotspot devices that can work with Wi-Fi versions of the tablet.

A video also appeared online on Youtube last week, showing a prototype case for the rumored iPad 2.