iPhone 5 and iPad 3 this year.

Midweek, dates began to emerge for the iPhone 5 launch , supposedly between September 6th and 15th in the United States. However, what we least expected was that Apple planned to release the iPad 3 this year, and if the China Times report is correct, the iPad 3 will be on the market sometime after Thanksgiving.

According to the report, Apple will launch its next phone in early to mid-September with an initial order of 400.000 units. Numerous rumors have suggested that the iPhone 5 will be released sometime in August or September. Therefore, this news isn't too surprising. However, we're not so sure about the rumors surrounding the iPad 3.

The iPad 2 debuted earlier this year, in fact it was in March, and it would be very unexpected and in my opinion rushed for Apple to release a new model of its tablet so soon.

Furthermore, while releasing a new model right at the start of the holiday season makes economic sense, we don't think Apple really wants to risk long lines outside its stores a few weeks before Christmas.

The China Times has a track record of successes and failures with rumors related to Apple, although it seems they have very close relationships with Apple's suppliers in China and may certainly have some knowledge of their production plans.