Apple to launch new iPads early next year?

Apple is set to launch two models of its next-generation iPads at the iWorld, which is scheduled for January 26, 2012, reports said, quoting sources close to its supply chain partners.

The new iPads will have 9.7-inch screens, the reports said.  The screens will come with QXGA resolution (1,536x2,048 pixels) and dual-LED light bars have been designed for the new iPads to strengthen the brightness of the panels, it added.

Check out: Which tablet should you buy?

The new models will help the company to target the different market segments, the reports added.

Top smartphones

The iPad 2 will be competing directly with Amazon's kindle Fire in the price-sensitive market segment, while the new models will focus on the mid-range and high-end segments respectively, it said.

CHECK OUT: Best Gadgets of 2011

The new iPads will come with quad-core A6 processors, reports said. The existing iPad 2 is based on the dual-core A5.