Apple will release three versions of the "iPad 2," supporting either or a combination of Wi-Fi, UMTS and CDMA, for 2011 with mass production to start as early as the later half of January, according to a "DigiTimes" report (http://macte.ch/fzX2z).

Apple will ship about 500,000-530,000 units to channels in January with shipment ratio of Wi-Fi, UMTS and CDMA models at 3:4:3, the article says, quoting "industry sources" and "upstream component makers." Apparently, Apple plans to work more closely with telecom carriers by offering more wireless solutions for iPad 2 to satisfy market demand.

In addition to wireless functions, Apple is also working on strengthening the iPad 2's anti-smudge and anti-reflective treatments in order to compete against Kindle and attract more consumers, the sources noted. As for iPad 2, "DigiTimes" estimates that the device's shipments in 2011 will reach 40 million units, accounting for 65-75% of the global tablet market.