Recent market speculations indicate that Apple is likely to launch a lower-cost iPad model with prices ranging from US$250-299 in early 2012 to smooth the transition between iPad 2 and iPad 3 and to take on the Amazon's Kindle Fire.

Sources in the iPad supply chain declined to comment on the speculations, but some believe that Apple is likely to release the iPad 3 in the first half of 2012 as scheduled and there should be not a low-priced transitional model.

But others consider that a possible entry-level iPad 2 will enhance Apple's tablet lineup and bring down the price difference between iPad 2 and Kindle Fire.

Makers in the supply chain are ready to prepare needed parts and components for the iPad 3, added the sources.