Report: Apple to unveil second-generation iPad March 2

Apple will launch its next generation iPad on March 2 at a scheduled public conference; the news contradicts published reports that said the second-generation tablet would be delayed, Reuters reports.

A person "familiar with the matter" told the news agency that speculation surrounding a delay of the next generation iPad until June was "simply not true." The source said that Apple has planned to launch the newest iPad in April - a year after it first sold the iPad. The move would follow a trend Apple usually adheres to with its iPhone model, unveiling one of its products then releasing a newer version a year later.

During Apple's scheduled event on March 2, the company will unveil the newest specs on the gadget, along with the expected day it will go on sale, the source said. Apple's stock has fallen 3 percent since a report from a Taiwanese brokerage firm stated the next version of the iPad would be delayed following supply chain disruptions.

However, many analysts affirm Apple is nothing if consistent with its release schedule. "Apple has a very consistent track record," said Daniel Ernst, an analyst at Hudson Square Research. The future of Apple has played out in newspaper headlines since its chief executive, Steve Jobs, announced he would take a medical leave of absence last month. Jobs is often considered the main taste-maker and genius behind Apple's innovative produce lineup.

In 2010, Apple told 15 million iPads; analysts contend the company could double that figure in 2011 if the next-generation model is successful. Apple has not commented on the most recent iPad reports.