iPAD3 PRODUCTION RAMPING UP

According to Jeffery Fidacaro of Susquahanna Financial Group, Apple has ordered up to 1 million iPad3s for the fourth calendar quarter. Christopher Caso, also of Susquahanna, says "Our checks indicate that iPad 3 has now shown up on AAPL’s production forecast for a late-4Q production start." The iPad3 is expected to begin rolling out the second quarter of next year, which is in line with previous iPad launches

It is unknown at this time if this is truely the iPad3 or the heavily rumored mini-iPad. Last week, Ticonderoga Securities analyst Brian White said that Apple will unveil a new entry-level “iPad mini” in the first quarter of 2012. The new tablet will not necessarily be an iPad with a smaller form factor, White’s checks found, but rather a lower price tag likely in the mid to high-$200 range.

RUMOR: iPAD3 WITH 4G LTE LAUNCHING BEFORE HOLIDAYS

Apple will release a new 4G LTE-enabled iPad tablet later this year according to Hong Kong-based research firm CLSA. The firm cites channel checks in stating that Apple’s iPad 3 will launch ahead of the holidays this year. CLSA also alludes to a Retina Display being on board alongside the new 4G LTE radio.

“While most vendors appear fixated on matching the specs and features of iPad2, our checks suggest Apple will release iPad3 in time for the holiday season, sporting a better display and LTE capabilities,” the firm’s report says. CLSA added that it does not expect Apple to launch a 4G LTE-enabled iPhone this year.