Despite report after report that Apple would release the iPad 3 later this year, J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz, in a note to clients, indicates the iPad 3 will not arrive until 2012.

Moskowitz:

“In recent months, there has been rising investor speculation that a new iPad 3 would be launched for the holiday season,” Moskowitz wrote in a research note to clients. “Our latest research continues to indicate that there is no such device slated for production this year. … There are prototypes in the supply chain related to the next-generation device, but our conversations with industry participants suggest that a new device will not be available until sometime in calendar 2012.”

Continuing:

 “We do not think Apple needs to be in a rush to unveil a new iPad. … The other tablet entrants have stumbled so far, and that trend-line could persist deep into 2012. Motorola Mobility and Research In Motion have been recent disappointments, and we expect more stumbles from others.”

The report makes sense when one considers the current dominance of the iPad 2.  In a recent report from IDC, the iPad holds 68.3 percent of the tablet market.  Given those numbers and with no true competition, Apple should and it appears will, take its time in releasing iPad 3, which will no doubt further separate itself from all others peddling inferior tablets.

Are you at all surprised or saddened that no new iPad will appear in 2011?  Let us know in the comments!

Barrons

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