Seems like it's been a while since we've seen the rumor mill churn out a report about the iPad 3, no? That ends today, as the Wall Street Journal is claiming that according to "people familiar with the situation," Apple is aiming to launch its new iPad sometime in early 2012. The new tablet is expected to pack a 2048x1536 resolution display, which is higher than the current model's 1024x768 screen. Apple is currently said to be placing orders for components like display panels and chips for around 1.5 million iPad 3s.

Some reports from earlier this year alleged that Apple might release its new iPad sometime later this year alongside the iPhone 5. However, as we inch closer toward the end of 2011, it seems more likely that the Cupertino-based firm will stick with its yearly release cycle for the iPad and launch the new slate early next year, possibly around the beginning of March. Good news for all those iPad 2 owners that were concerned that Apple would make their new tablet outdated earlier than normal, right?

Via Today's iPhone, WSJ