
Apple has yet to announce or even acknowledge the existence of the iPad 3, but today’s leak, if it's real, implies Apple is deep into the production process.
Pictures of the rear casing of the iPad 3 surfaced today on the repair site RepairLabs. The photos compare the current iPad 2 rear case with what they claim is the new iPad 3 rear casing. The diagram above shows a number of differences labeled A through D including different logic board mounts (A), a wider battery (B), a different camera ( C), and a different LCD (D).
The space allotted for the logic board has been greatly reduced on the alleged iPad 3 rear case, which is most likely because of larger battery which iPad 3 rumors have suggested, but this could also be in response to the increased power draw of a large Retina display. However, until the LCD is leaked, or we actually see the finished product via Apple’s announcement the iPad 3’s Retina display will remained king of the rumor-mill.
RepairLabs’ source commented that the new iPad 3 housing did not seem any thicker than iPad 2 back. This would contradict earlier rumors that the iPad 3 would be thicker to compensate for a larger Retina display. Either way the new mounting design implies the LCD has been redesigned in some aspects.
Expect more leaks in the coming weeks. Until then drool over the empty metal carcass above.
*Update*
Well the "more leaks in the coming weeks" actually turned into "more leaks in like a couple hours." Apple.pro is claiming to have pictures of the back of the iPad 3 rear housing and photos of the iPad 3's Smart Cover magnets.



The picture itself shows an almost identical housing to that of the iPad 2 when viewed from the outside. If the piece is real it is either a prototype or was swiped off the manufacturing floor before Apple's factories could stamp any information on the back. It appears that all signs are pointing to an iPad 3 with very little different design wise, heck it even appears both devices will share the same Smart Cover magnet design, implying old Smart Covers will work with the iPad 3.
But, if the iPhone 4S sales record is any indication of the iPad 3's performance Apple will break records while beating financial analysts' expectations again.
Source: RepairLabs Apple.pro
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