A thinner, lighter Apple ^[1] iPad 3 might be headed our way. The new tablet will also offer longer battery life than the iPad 2. That’s the good news. The not-so-good news is that this could also make the new iPad 20 to 30 percent more expensive when it finally hits the shelves.

Citing several sources, CNET’s Lance Whitney says Apple suppliers will begin delivering the new battery pack during the fourth quarter and “ramp up into full production” early 2012.

So, does a new battery mean a new design? Probably. It could also mean the addition of a retina display, like the 2.048×1.536 resolution one predicted by Boy Genius Report and other sources. But with Apple suppliers having a tough time with manufacturing challenges, it’s anyone’s guess what the new tablet will bring.

Read more at CNET.