Apple's next tablet has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks and the latest rumour has suggested it could act as a tribute to the company's former supremo.

Sources within the electronics industry told the Economic Daily News that five Taiwan-based companies are gearing up to make four million units of the iPad 3.

Employees of Hon Hai Precision Industry, the firm that will assemble the gadget, have apparently been told their leave will be restricted over the Chinese New Year holidays to help ensure the order is fulfilled on time.

The report suggested Apple is gearing up to put the third generation tablet on sale at a date in either late February or March, with the official unveiling timed to coincide with what would have been Jobs' 57th birthday.

Earlier rumours had claimed Apple would launch two versions of the iPad 3 at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco on January 23rd, but they have been rejected by sources close to the company.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/886131-ipad-3-release-date-rumoured-to-be-february-24-steve-jobs-birthday#ixzz1iT4sWviN