Citi: Next-gen iPad to launch in February with Retina display

We’ve heard a lot of rumors about a next-gen iPad coming sometime in 2012, whether it’s summer or earlier in the year was still up in the air. In addition to backing up rumors of a display with a much higher resolution than current models, Citi analyst Richard Gardner (via BusinessInsider) told clients today that “several sources” have confirmed the next-gen iPad will launch in February saying, “there do not appear to be any significant technical hurdles remaining”.

We’ve heard a lot about the next-gen iPad in the last couple of months, so here’s what we know so far…

In November there were several reports pointing towards a slightly thicker, but higher res design, while DigiTimes claimed around the same time that Apple was working on a dual-LED backlighting system as an alternative for an iPad 3 with Retina display and suppliers had alerady begun shipping panels for the device. Shortly after reports from DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim backed up reports that production of panels for iPad 3 retina displays has begun.We’re of course also expecting a next-gen iPad to run on Apple’s A6 chip, which is already slated for early 2012. However, it looks like the iPad 3′s retina display might not be the first to market, with BGR claiming Samsung is prepping an 11.6-inch tablet with a 2560 x 1600 resolution for February.