The iPad 3 is reportedly being shipped from Foxconn, Apple's major product manufacturer in China - to U.S. and it could have prompted Best Buy to slash the price of iPad 2 (all models) by $50.

The purported iPad 3 shipments are on the way, according to Apple.pro., which citied Weiphone forums and Sina Weibo - the equivalent of Twitter.

The shipping document suggested the cargo will be delivered from Feb. 26 until March 9. The cargo is being loaded at major international cargo charter flights in Chengdu International Airport to three of America’s biggest airports - ORD Chicago, the JFK New York, and LAX in Los Angeles. And the cargo owners have demanded high security. A source from Foxconn's Chengdu plant indicated that the shipment is for Apple's latest products, - which hints that Apple fans will finally get to see the much hyped iPad 3.

Our company started undertake a load of top-secured cargo. The owner has extreme requirements for the security, the document read (according to translation).

In order to prevent the cargo from being dragged on the airport ramp for too long, as well as shortening the time the cargo stay on the airport ramp, we hereby require XXXX to schedule all the XXX cargo planes from Feb. 26 to Mar. 9. to XXX slot.

Meanwhile, the retailer Best Buy has begun offering $50 off on all iPad models on Sunday. The customers can get the iPad 2 16GB model (Wi-Fi only) for $449.99, 32GB for $549, 64GB for $779.99 etc. Moreover, Meijer, a regional big-box retailer in the U.S., has reduced the 16GB iPad 2 (with Wi-Fi only) by $70. These retailers are probably looking to clear out inventory of the iPad 2 and make room for the upcoming new iPad.

All the signs suggest Apple is preparing for the forthcoming iPad release. The alleged debut date is March 7.

9to5Mac reported that after the iPad 3 launch, its predecessor will discontinue, except the black and white 16GB units, at least initially, citing anonymous sources.

Our sources pointed to the discontinuation of all iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G models and all iPad 2 Wi-Fi-only models (except the black and white 16GB units-at least initially) when the iPad 3 launches, the article read.

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