Developers snooping around the iOS 5.1 beta 2 code have found references to the real iPad 3, not being duped by Apple’s decoy strings of code referencing inexistent devices.
Labeled with a device ID of 1, the iPad 3 code references listed above are believed to be genuine, unlike those intentionally placed by Apple in a .plist file as decoys. However, there are no iPhone 5 references.
Which is understandable, considering the device is still at least 6 months from release, going by Apple’s refresh cycles.
So it appears that testing is underway internally with iPad 3 prototype tablets, which means rumors of a February-March release may be accurate.
Thing is even common sense will tell you that Apple’s next iPad is on track for a spring 2012 release. After all, there’s no reason not to expect the third iPad refresh at exactly the same time as the ones before it.