Apple's iPad 3 Rumored To Cost Same As iPad 2, Similar Configuration

In a source-fuelled report recently published by 9to5Mac, it is claimed that Apple's upcoming iPad 3 will cost the same as its predecessor, and that it'll be available in the similar 16, 32 and 64 gigabyte configuration we're already familiar with. Less than one week ago, an unverified price comparison sheet from China suggested that Apple's iPad 3 would cost slightly more than the iPad 2, and that the basic, 16 gigabyte Wi-Fi only model would set customers back $579. At the time, we speculated that the iPad's Retina display - a feature many are certain the iPad 3 will include - was the reason for the price hike; the super high resolution displays are expensive to manufacture, though a price change such as this would have been an un-Apple-like move to make. However, 9to5Mac's source - "Mr. X" - disputes this claim, instead suggesting that Apple plans to maintain the same price structure and even the same 16, 32 and 64 gigabyte configuration. The website has also posted the model numbers for all versions of the upcoming iPad 3:

MC705LL/A – J1 GOOD A-USA MC706LL/A – J1 BETTER A-USA MC707LL/A – J1 BEST A-USA 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 BETTER 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

As mentioned, in the past Apple has avoided increasing the price of its iOS devices, instead downgrading the price of the earlier models and maintaining the price of its higher-end, newer models. If you ask us, Mr. X is spot-on with his claims here - we think it's very unlikely Apple will alter its iPad pricing with the iPad 3, though as usual, we'll know nothing for certain until the company makes an official announcement. Apple is set to unveil the iPad 3 next Wednesday, at its March 7 special media event. As always, AppAdvice will be covering the event throughout - so be sure to check back with us!