In the iPad 3 rumors mill, the latest is coming from Focus Taiwan, that also cited a local report in the Chinese Economic Times newspaper, Apple is launching the iPad 3 on February 24th the late Steve Jobs’ Birthday.

“After the iPhone 4S successfully took the tech market by storm, the iPad3 is widely expected to be Apple’s first hit product to be released next year. Industry sources said the first shipment of the iPad3 could exceed 4 million units. Because it is a new gadget, it is taking time for makers in the supply chain to raise their yield rates. The sources said all OEM and ODM makers have exercised great caution in ensuring the smooth operations of their production lines.“

Foxconn, Apple’s favorite contract manufacturer, is reportedly asking employees at its iPad division to only take five days off during the Lunar New Year holiday. Catcher Technology, a rumored maker of iPad 3′s case, reportedly said “at least some of its employees will have to work overtime during the Lunar New Year holiday.” Battery maker Simplo Technology, connector maker Amer International Group and optical lens supplier Genius Electronic Optical are all believed to have asked employees involved in the project to shorten their holiday.

Apple has released other products on the Founders Birthday, specifically the Thunderbolt Macbook Pros and the re-designed Safari 4 beta in 2009.

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