Apple’s next generation, iconic iPad tablet computer may be expected in March 2012, but is unlikely to be named iPad 3.

Instead, DigiTech, the Taiwanese tech site, stated that its sources in the upstream supply channel said that the new-generation iPad may be an “upgraded” iPad 2.

DigiTech’s sources revealed that Apple does not consider the new iPad product as iPad 3 but an upgraded version of iPad 2, much like Apple recently released the iPhone 4s. The new iPad 3 is not scheduled for launch before the third quarter of 2012, at the earliest.

DigiTech states that the upgraded iPad 2 will be slimmer than the original iPad 2 and offer longer battery life. It also stated that Apple has decided starting small volume shipments by the fourth quarter of 2011 targetting the Lunar New Year Holidays in China in January.

Some channel retailers insist that iPad 2 peaks the popularity charts in the tablet PC product range in the IT Market and feels that Apple does not have to rush ahead in launching a newer model.

However, a separate article on ‘The Next Web’ raises doubts that Apple would really release an updated iPad 2 and a new iPad 3, within months of each other.

Quoting them, “It seems unlikely that both rumours are correct given Apple’s track record of introducing new products although Digitimes is known to be a reliable source.”

Expectations are ripe that the new devices could include HD screens as it has been reported that Apple has been testing this technology from both Samsung and LG with an aim to include the same in all future iPad releases.

‘The Next Web’ also points out to reports in August which suggested that Apple was testing its prototype iPad 3 in October, however there were no leaks or greater details coming out pertaining to the rumored devices, last month.