Market watchers have mostly expected Apple to follow its traditional pricing strategy for its next-generation tablet device, which is likely to start from US$499 with the present iPad 2 to drop to US$399. But if Apple releases two versions of the new iPad, as reported by Digitimes, the vendor's pricing strategy may change.

Sources from Apple's supply chain have claimed that there will be two versions of the new iPad, one targeting the high-end segment and the other the mid-range. Digitimes Research believe the two new iPad models will both be equipped the A6 processor with high-end model coming with a high resolution panel (2048x1536) and the mid-tier model featuring the same grade of panel as iPad 2 (1024x768).

With the existing iPad 2, the Apple tablet series may cover all price segments - from entry-level to high-end. Apple's pricing strategy for its iPad series is crucial to the tablet market. It remains to be seen at what price level Apple will set its entry-level iPad. For Wi-Fi only models, US$299, US$349 or US$399 may all be possible.

Currently, the non-Apple camp is maneuvering in the US$199-399 range. If Apple drops its iPad price to US$299, it could seriously affect the non-Apple camp's pricing strategy and even Amazon's Kindle could also be affected.