Apple is said to be working on a new version of the iPad 2, set to launch by the end of the year.

Dubbed iPad 2 Plus, the device will apparently feature a higher resolution screen, with a much higher display density. With persistent rumours of a new 2048x1536 screen slated for upcoming iPad 2 versions, the news comes as no surprise.

FBR Capital Markets analyst Craig Berger claims that Apple has already sent out requests for qutes to different suppliers, but there is still no production schedule. In any case the device should appear in late 2011, but it might not ship until early 2012. The rest of the spec remains unclear.

However, it seems somewhat odd that Apple would choose to use the iPad 2 Plus moniker for a device with an entirely new screen and design, considering the fact that the underwhelming iPad refresh earned the iPad 2 brand.

More here.