WSJ Puts iPad 3 Launch in Early 2012

Continuing our ongoing coverage of the iPad, especially regarding earlier news that a launch this fall was unlikely, we now hear word that an early 2012 launch is the case, with production ramping up in the coming months.

Wall Street Journal reported today that, citing people familiar with the situation, Apple is "working with component suppliers and its assembler in Asia for the trial production of its next generation iPad from October."

According to the report, Apple is looking to have 1.5 million of the next-generation iPad ready by the end of their fourth quarter, in preparation for "its official launch in early 2012."

This seems like a more reasonable time frame, especially given that all signs now point to an early October launch of the iPhone 5 in the United States. This would space out the product launches by several months, allowing each product to take off without being hurt by a similar, albeit not directly competing offering from Apple.