Second-generation iPad coming in January

A new report claims Apple is getting ready to unveil the second generation of the iPad in January 2011, outside of the normal yearly released schedule the company maintains for most of its products.

The report in the DigiTimes says manufacturers in Asia are preparing to ship the products over the rest of the year.

“Component suppliers including touch panel and reinforced glass suppliers for Apple’s iPad are completing validation with Apple for the second-generation 9.7-inch iPad, according to Taiwan-based component suppliers,” the report claims.

“Apple is expected to launch the second-generation iPad in the first-quarter of 2011, the suppliers noted.”

While an earlier-than-expected delivery wouldn’t necessarily be out of the question for the popular gadget, analysts note such a release would be outside of the normal yearly schedule the company has for its products.

However, the iPad has sold millions of units in several different countries, and an early upgrade could be an attempt to capitalise on its success and keep head of rivals in the tablet sector.