Here is your daily Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) stock news and rumors report for Sept. 17, 2010. Rumors of the second-generation iPad launching later this year seem to be widely exaggerated as new reports emerge. Meanwhile, Apple’s stalwart iPad and iPhone partner AT&T (NYSE: T) is getting its 4G network on track for a 2011 debut. Finally, Mac users with plenty of pocket change can finally get their hands on a brand new 27-inch LCD screen today.
Next Generation iPad to Launch in Q1 2011: Hot on the heels of news that Apple has brought on AU Optronics (NYSE: AUO) subsidiary Cando as an additional manufacturer of iPad touch screen sensors come reports that that company and other suppliers are now gearing up for a second-generation iPad to launch to early next year. Taiwainese tech industry news outlet DigiTimes says that Cando, in addition to TPK Solutions, Chimei Innolux and WinTek are in the validation stage of manufacturing new, “ultra-thin glass-based touch panels.” Contrary to previous reports that said that the new iPad would feature a smaller 7-inch screen, the iPad 2 planned for the first quarter of 2011 is said to keep the 9.7-inch screen size of the current iPad. Also contrary to previous reports is that the new iPad will not be releasing this coming November to take advantage of the holiday shopping season. It’s possible that Apple may instead use the holiday as an opportunity to introduce an iPad price drop, especially if Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) unveil their rumored tablet competitor in the next two months.
AT&T Preps 4G Network for 2011: Not deterred by their impending loss of exclusivity in carrying APPL’s iPhone line of smartphones, AT&T is moving full-steam ahead with their high-speed wireless network expansion. AT&T Operations CEO John Stankey confirmed that the company’s LTE 4G network is on track to launch commercial services by mid-2011. AT&T is working diligently with partners Alctel-Lucent (NASDAQ: ALU) and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) to get the network ready, and plans to spend $700 million on its development in anticipation of the 2011 launch. AT&T is also upgrading its HPSA+ 3G network this year. While the company will no longer have a monopoly on users of AAPL’s iPhone and iPad next year, those users who stick with AT&T to take advantage of their 4G network will at the very least see improved download speed and service as a result of their corporate loyalty.
Apple 27-inch LED Cinema Display Goes On Sale: Apple’s brand new computer monitor meant to accompany the latest updates in its line of Mac Pro computers has finally gone on sale today. Announced earlier this year, the new 27-inch LED display features 2560 X 1440 resolution, an iSight camera and a 49-watt speaker system, making for a pleasing aesthetic experience for Mac users. The monitor retails for $999.
As of this writing, Anthony Agnello did not own a position in any of the stocks named here.
