While it's certainly possible, I think it's improbable. The iPhone 4's bump relative to the iPhone was significant, but 960x480 is within the limits of mobile processors (the Tab has extremely similar hardware and is moving 1024x600).

The main problem that I see is the number of pixels and the [assumed] limits of mobile GPUs for displaying 3D at those resolutions (as is the case with the hardware accelerated iOS UI). I just don't see the technology at that point yet where it can move that many pixels smoothly. I should note, that video is a different beast entirely, and yes 1080p is easily done with todays mobile processors.

The only viable option that I could see to support very high resolutions would be hardware upscaling for 3D rendered content (similar to BluRay players) and quick software switching for high resolutions on [mostly] static displays. But this could have some unpleasant side effects without a solid algorithm driving the switching. Dunno.

But this is all based on the assumption that 3D at 1440x900 or 1600x1200 would be a bit much for a mobile CPU/GPU, considering desktops slow down considerably when displaying games at these resolutions. But if the assumption is wrong, then my argument falls flat.

Oh, and wouldn't it be 1440x1080 to maintain the 4:3 ratio?

I have no doubt that the iPad will see a higher resolution, but I would be very surprised if it were the next iteration of the device. But who knows? I've been wrong before. I'd be pleasantly surprised if they pulled it off!

I've noticed that apple products generally iterate with one or two big feature changes and some software updates. The iPhone 4 brought the camera, screen, and processor upgrade. If I were to guess (having heard Steve Job's disdain towards 7" panels), I would say that the next iPad would have a front facing camera, some new software that integrates more tightly with the Macbook line, and perhaps a slightly refined form-factor.

Anyone want to take that bet?