Leaked images of Retina iPad dock connector point to refreshed iPad 3

While most attention at the upcoming Apple event scheduled to be held tomorrow will be centred on the iPad mini, another device that is speculated to be launched at the event is the redesigned iPad 3. It is widely believed that in order to make all Apple’s iOS devices compatible with the new Lightning connector, the Retina iPad is also expected to undergo a refresh. Now, a report by Boy Genius Report displays images of the dock connector expected to feature in the new iPad.

As per the report, the author Jonathon S. Geller states, “We have received photos of what we’re told is the 4th generation iPad’s lightning dock connector. The photo compares the 4th generation iPad’s dock to the iPad mini dock, and the connector looks to be a brand new design. This most likely signals that the 4th generation iPad will also feature a redesigned interior to accommodate different components. We were also told that this is not simply the refreshed lightning dock connector for the 3rd generation iPad.”

Can we expect some internal changes as well?

Judging by the above information, we can expect the next iPad to come with some other features than the previous generation model. Though it is strange that Apple will launch a new iPad just a few months after launching its current version, it’s fair to say that the problems that affected it could not be ignored. This includes the weight of the tablet, the false marketing of the LTE capabilities and the heating issue cause by the LED backlight module. These could be reasons enough for Apple to issue a refreshed version of the tablet but one can expect that the new iPad will not be in the spotlight for a considerable amount of time at the Apple event.

Dock connector of rumoured enhanced Retina iPad

As per a recent report by MacRumors, a developer has informed them that a previously unknown iPad3,6 device has shown up in his app analytics. Most interestingly, the device's processor targets the new ARMv7s architecture that supports the custom A6 system-on-a-chip that is found in the iPhone 5. This new iPad thus appears to be running either an A6 chip itself or a variation on Apple's custom A6 design.

Apple may launch the iPad mini in various storage capacities such as 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and the top-of-the-line model at 64GB of internal storage. The top of the line iPad mini is expected to be sold at approximately €649 for the 64GB Wi-Fi plus cellular version. The cheapest model, an 8GB Wi-Fi only version is believed to retail for approximately €249.

It is also believed that the Apple event will also play host to a number of other announcements, which include the updated line up of Macs and on the software front, iBooks.

The iPad mini event is likely to have a strong focus on iBooks. It makes sense, as the iPad mini would likely be squarely aimed at those who wish to partake of media on their tablets. The primary purpose of such a smaller tablet would be to act as a medium for Apple’s content, namely iBooks publications and movies.