Will Apple Offer a Cheaper iPad 3?

New deals with component manufacturers hint that Apple has plans to create a version of the iPad 3 that will be significantly less expensive than current models.

DigiTimes cites industry sources that say Apple has formed multiple new relationships with component manufacturers to create low-cost circuits and parts. Sources say Apple plans to create a cheaper tablet in order to compete with expected price drops in competitor tablets planned for late 2011.

This rumor seems to completely contradict previous rumors that indicated Apple would actually make a more expensive "Pro" or "HD" version of the iPad. However, it's possible that this new report from DigiTimes jibes with rumors about an iPad HD with an ultra-high-resolution Retina Display . Apple may be sourcing cheaper parts in order to balance out the higher cost of the new displays, thus keeping the price in sync with past iPads.

Apple is expected to move up the launch date for the iPad 3 (the first two iPads were both announced in January and launched in spring) in order to launch it in conjunction with the iPhone 5 before the holiday 2011 season. The latest rumors indicate the launch will happen in late August or early September.

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