As expected of Apple, Inc., the minimalist design will still prevail in the next generation of iPad but its features will be boosted.

The new iPad's body will be thicker than its predecessor. There will be around 1mm increase. On the physical aspect, it seems that the casing will bear some difference from iPad 2.

At the back of the device, the camera in the upper left corner has become bigger. This will be noticeable, especially when placed alongside the iPad 2. The new camera hole is silver-ringed, and does in fact look the same size as the iPhone 4S's much-improved rear camera system without the LED flash.

The rumors said that Apple will be going for a smaller screen. However, based on the photo from iLounge, Apple will be sticking with its standard screen size. However, it is expected that the iPad 3 will be sporting a screen with higher resolution and Retina Display like the iPhone and iPhone 4S.

The switch, button, speaker and other accessories located on the side edges are all the same, as are the headphone and Dock Connector ports. In other words, last year's accessories should generally work properly with the new model, which is great.

There is no certainty yet that Apple will release the iPad 3 as the device could be named as iPad 2S or iPad 2HD. This could be a similar case with the iPhone wherein a lot of people expected to see the iPhone 5 but Apple released the iPhone 4S.

As expected from the Cupertino-based company, there has been no confirmation of the internal changes made in the upcoming device. The shell shown in the photo seemed to be manufactured a few months back. Thus, there could be more changes integrated in the device since the shell was manufactured.

If Apple will follow the schedule, the iPad 3 will be introduced to the public in the next few months. There are speculations that the next generation of iPad will be released on Steve Jobs' birthday.