Apple Inc is expected to launch the next-generation iPad next week as it seeks to consolidate its leading position in the tablet computer market to stave off challenges from rivals, media reported yesterday.

Apple will hold a conference in San Francisco to launch the new iPad, industry sources, who declined to be named, told Shanghai Daily.

Apple, as usual, declined to comment yesterday.

The next-generation iPad is said to feature a thinner, glare-resistant display, a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor and improved graphic chips. Other possible new functions include front and rear-facing cameras, support for the FaceTime video call function and the ability to run on both GSM and CDMA networks, media and industry officials said.

Apple is seeking to ride on the popularity and enthusiastic market response to its original iPad which debuted last April.

In the fourth quarter, sales of Apple mobile computers, including iPad and Mac laptops, reached 10.2 million units. For the first time its sales beat the 9.3 million units the world's biggest PC maker Hewlett-Packard sold, according to United States-based research DisplaySearch.

In 2010, global tablet computer sales reached 17 million units, with 70.8 million units expected in 2012, according to research firm, International Data Corp.