Sources from five companies in the Apple supply chain told Reuters that they are revving up for a new round of production in the first quarter, however left unclear whether they were working on a new iPad model or simply producing another batch of the original models.
Based on Apple’s history of updating products at least once a year, several reports speculate that a new iPad with significant upgrades is in the works.
One source claimed that the tablet will gain both front- and rear-facing cameras. Additionally, the revamped model also is rumored to be slimmer, lighter and boast a higher resolution display.
AppleInsider.com further fanned the rumors, reporting that leaked images from two case manufacturers Shenzhen MacTop Electronics and Kodowarisan, also suggest a rear-facing camera and a spot for an SD card slot.
According to reports, Apple is expected to have shipped 13 million iPads this year and nearly three times as many in 2011.