Supply chain gearing up for second generation iPad?

When Apple launched the first incarnation if its revolutionary iPad, the lack of some key features, such as a camera, already had tech-savvy consumers speculating that the company would soon release an updated version. Now, it looks as though Apple's supply chain may be gearing up for just such a product, Digitimes reports.

Component suppliers for Apple's iPad, including touch panel and reinforced glass manufacturers, are completing validation with the computer and gadget maker for the highly-anticipated second-generation iPad, according to Taiwan-based component suppliers. The new iPad will likely sport the same high-resolution, 9.7-inch touchscreen display and many rumors project that it will include a front-facing camera and Apple's popular FaceTime application.

The second-generation device is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2011. As a result, Apple's component suppliers are expected to begin shipping parts at the start of the new year, according to the source.

According to Apple, the company sold more than 300,000 iPads on the first day the product was released. That figure is now close to 4 million.