Apple Expected to Unveil iPad 3 Next Week

iPad fans, rejoice: Apple may release its newest version of the popular tablet computer as early as next week.

The BBC reports that the consumer tech company has scheduled an event on March 7 for some kind of iPad-related announcement, which naturally kicked the online rumor mill into top gear. While Apple won't comment on what exactly will be unveiled at the San Francisco-area event, its invitation told lucky recipients: "We have something you really have to see. And touch."

Already, some observers are speculating (or maybe just hoping) that not only will Apple unveil the new iPad 3 at the event but that the new gadget will also hit stores as soon as the following week.

Meanwhile, Gizmodo points out that the newest iPad incarnation may already be in plain sight for anyone holding an invitation to the Apple event, since the iPad featured on the invite looks slightly different than the iPad 2. The tech blog points out that the tablet's screen on the invitation has better definition and features slightly different typography, for example.

Apple's iPad has been widely successful in pulling in customers, but its dominant position in the tablet market has been challenged most recently by similar products powered by Google’s Android system.  Microsoft will likely introduce a new challenger in the tablet wars, as well: Industry experts say that the company will introduce a Windows 8 operating system later this year, according to the BBC.