If recent reports are to be believed, Apple’s second generation iPad will begin shipping somewhere around the end of February 2011, which is around 100 days from now. Initial shipments will range between 400,000 and 600,000 units from Foxconn, which is Apples manufacturer for the iPad 2.

Still unconfirmed, but the report claims that mass production of the iPad 2 was expected for January 2011, but has now been pushed back to February as Apple is still testing the iPad 2′s firmware. Apple devices are said to be undergoing more rigorous testing since the highly publicized defect of the iPhone 4 , which is now more popularly known as the Antennagate. The delay is specified to issues with the iPad 2 firmware, which could mean that Apple is eliminating final issues out of the new software whilst also depleting inventory of the current generation iPad. Speculation has indicated that the iPad 2 will include a front-facing FaceTime camera, Retina Display and a gyroscope, all very likely additions to keep in league with the current generation of Apple products.

Apple tend to announce their devices annually and at around the same time each year. June is usually the iPhone update announcement, whilst September is the time when new iPod’s surface and January could become the iPad keynote month.

A separate rumor also suggests that Qualcomm will be providing the baseband chips for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5 and iPad 2. Watch this space for more information about all things Apple as it arrives. [Digitimes]

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