Apple iPad 3 launch expected after company invites reporters to an event in San Francisco

NEW YORK - Apple is inviting reporters to an event next Wednesday in San Francisco. An image on the invite showing part of an iPad screen suggests it's 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 didn't provide any details on the new device. Various unconfirmed reports speak of a sharper screen and faster cellular broadband options.

It's not known when such a new device would be available for sale. Last year, sales of the iPad 2 began in the U.S. nine days after the announcement.