Apple says new iPad operates 'well within our thermal specifications'

"The new iPad delivers a stunning Retina display, A5X chip, support for 4G LTE plus 10 hours of battery life, all while operating well within our thermal specifications, Apple spokeswoman Trudy Miller said in a statement to The Loop. "If customers have any concerns, they should contact AppleCare."

The quick response came only hours after an infrared test of the new iPad showed it running 10 degrees hotter than the previous-generation iPad 2. The new iPad was measured at 92.5 degrees Fahrenheit, while the iPad 2 measured 83 degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperatures of the new iPad, however, remain well within Apple's specified operating temperature of 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 0 to 35 degreed Celsius.

Higher temperatures associated with the new iPad are likely because of the quad-core graphics processing found on the new A5X chip. Apple also added a new metal heat spreader to the processor that powers the third-generation tablet.

Users who have discussed the temperature of the new iPad on Apple's official support forums have generally said that the device operates warmer than the iPad 2, but there have been very few claims of iPads overheating or becoming too hot to touch. And many others have said they have not noticed any temperature difference with the new iPad.

The heat is said to emanate from the bottom left corner of the device, and some users have said they managed to reduce the temperature of the new iPad by reducing the brightness of the new high-resolution Retina display.