Reliable sources familiar with Apple’s upcoming product release have said that the company is in fact launching a new Apple TV alongside the next-generation iPad. We initially reported that Apple would be releasing two major new products in early March, and then believed the product would be a new Apple TV due to mounting code-based evidence for such a product with simultaneous supply constraints. Now, sources have outright said Apple is launching this J33 (the new Apple TV’s codename) alongside the new iPad.
The new Apple TV is rumored to include a faster processor, possibly a variation of the dual-core A5 chip. The dual-core A5 chip has been said to be required for the Apple TV to finally stream 1080p quality video, but Apple is also working on an “A5X” chip that is dual-core, which also includes an improved graphics engine. Those two components of the chip would likely delivery the smooth video playback that Apple would include in such a product. Other possibilities from the rumor-mill include a redesigned Bluetooth 4.0 remote control, and Siri support, but those are not rumors that we can independently confirm (yet). This new Apple TV would make sense to launch with a new 1080P movie service from Apple’s iTunes Store.
Sources are also saying that Apple will in fact launch at least three next-generation iPad variants in March. These sources backup our previous reports and say these new iPads are called J1, J2, and J2a internally. The J1 and J2 code names have long been tied to Retina Display iPad reports from the Asia, so these code names add another layer of confirmation to new iPad carrying a Retina Display. In our report on a number of next-generation iPad-related rumors, we noted that pre-sales would begin on March 7th (likely event day) or just a few days later. Sources are now saying that next-generation iPad shipments are already landing at ports of multiple countries around the world, so expect near-immediate availability. That does not mean you can buy one on event day, but likely within one to two weeks after the announcement.
This J1 iPad is likely the WiFI-only model, and the J2 and J2a are likely different cellular-data-enabled versions. GSM/CDMA/LTE have all been rumored cellular-date types for the new iPad, so those two J2 models are likely some technical combination of the three.
Interestingly we’re hearing whispers that the J1 may only come in one color – at least at launch. iPads currently ship in either black and white, so this seems very strange to us. There will also be three capacities of each model, but we can’t be sure of the sizes. iPads currently come in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities, but with Apple recently bumping the iPhone to 64GB for the first time (just last year), it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Apple move to a high end 128GB offering for their tablets.
We’re also hearing of a mystery accessory that will launch alongside the new iPads and Apple TV. We’re not sure what it is, but it’s called “B82″ internally. The product is likely some accessory, probably ranging from either a cable, cover, or new audio remote. The new Apple TV will include Bluetooth 4.0 capability, so perhaps Apple will ship an improved remote to that takes advantage of that next-generation Bluetooth protocol. We’ve got part numbers for all of these new products after the break. Thanks, Mr. X!
MD328LL/A – J1 GOOD B- USA
MD329LL/A – J1 BETTER B-USA
MD330LL/A – J1 BEST-B-USA
MD366LL/A – J2A GOOD A-USA
MD367LL/A – J2A BEST A-USA
MD368LL/A – J2A BEST A-USA
MD369LL/A – J2A GOOD B-USA
MD370LL/A – J2A BETTER B-USA
MD371LL/A – J2A BEST B-USA
MD199LL/A – J33 BEST -USA
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