4G
If there is anything that Apple should have brought to the iPad 2, it’s 4G connectivity. The ultra-high-speed connection could have done wonders for the device’s value proposition and helped it compete more effectively against devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Here’s hoping it comes to the iPad 3.
A Bigger Display
With other products on store shelves, like the Galaxy Tab 10.1, featuring a 10.1-inch screen, how long will Apple finally wait to offer something a bit bigger than the 9.7-inch screen found in its iPad 2? Hopefully a bigger display will make its way to the iPad 3.
A Model With A Smaller Display
At the same time, given the success of the Amazon Kindle Fire, Apple might be smart to offer a smaller screen option to customers. A 7-inch iPad 3, while not ideal for many folks, is perfect for those who want an iPad, but don’t need the bulky alternative. Apple should acknowledge that and offer a smaller iPad 3 early next year.
Siri
Apple’s Siri virtual personal assistant is arguably the biggest launch the company had this year. However, it’s currently only available in the iPhone 4S. Next year, when Apple shows off the iPad 3, the company must bring Siri to the device.
A Retina Display
Apple should offer a Retina Display in the iPad 3. Although not many mainstream consumers understand the value of it, the Retina Display is central to the appeal of Apple’s iPhone. It also puts pressure on and hurts margins of competitors. It would be nice to see the Retina Display make its way to the iPad 3.
An Improved Design
Apple’s decision to offer up a nominal design upgrade on the iPad 2 was a mistake, to say the least. Apple is a company that prides itself on offering the very best designs on the market. And by offering the same basic look and feel as the iPad 1, the iPad 2 just didn’t live up to Apple’s overarching goal. The iPad 3, on the other hand, had better.
A Quad-Core Processor
Apple brought the dual-core processor to the iPad 2. When the company launches the iPad 3 in early 2012, the company needs to offer a quad-core option. The fact is, next year is going to be the year of the quad-core processor in the tablet space. And just about every company will be offering it.
More Storage
Currently, Apple’s iPad 2 tops out at 64GB of storage. But as people buy more music, movies, and other content, they need more storage. So, Apple should endeavor to offer at least 128GB of storage in the iPad 3. Better still? A full 256GB of storage in its top-end model.
The Same Price
Apple over the last several years has decided to price its new models the same as previous versions. The move increases margins and helps the company continue to appeal to customers. So, it would only make sense for Apple to deliver new iPads, with all their neat new features, at a price customers are already living with.
Thunderbolt
Apple’s Thunderbolt technology, which provides input and output over the same port, is arguably one of the best hardware advancements the company has introduced in quite some time. However, Thunderbolt is currently only available in its Mac line. With the iPad 3, Apple should offer Thunderbolt. It can open up a world of new possibilities both for Apple’s customers and its third-party partners.