Apple hints at launch of new iPad

Apple has invited reporters to attend an event next Wednesday in San Francisco.

An image on the invite showing part of an iPad screen suggests the event is to announce a new model.

The company has been widely expected to reveal the third version of the iPad soon, close to the anniversary of the launch of the iPad 2.

The invitation is for the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, where Apple holds larger launch events.

Apple did not provide any details on the new device. Various unconfirmed reports speak of a sharper screen and faster mobile broadband options.

It is not known when such a new device would be available for sale.

Last year, sales of the iPad 2 began in the US nine days after the announcement.