More and more tests suggest the new iPad would gett significantly hotter than previous generations. Some engineers tested the device using thermal imaging, and found that the new iPad reached as high as 116 degrees Fahrenheit while playing Infinity Blade II. Another report found that the new iPad runs about 10 degrees hotter than the iPad 2 when running GLBenchmark.

This is the discover from Consumer Reports:

"We ran our test while the new iPad was propped on the iPad Smart Cover, plugged in, and after it had run Infinity Blade II uninterrupted for about 45 minutes. The device's 4G connection was not turned on, though its Wi-fi link was. The ambient room temperature was about 72 degrees. (Apple recommends not using the iPad in environments over 95 degrees.) We also ran the test with the new iPad unplugged. Then we compared the temperature of the new iPad to that of the iPad 2 using the same tests.

When unplugged, the back of the new iPad reached temperatures as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit. It was only when plugged in that it hit 116 degrees. The hottest areas weren't evenly distributed throughout the iPad's back, but were concentrated near one corner of the display as shown in the images taken from the rear of the device above."

They concluded that while the new iPad became as much as 13 degrees hotter than the iPad 2 "when it was at its hottest, it felt very warm but not especially uncomfortable if held for a brief period."

Another report from Tweakers.net, using an infrared camera, also proved that the new iPad runs about 10 degrees hotter than the iPad 2.

"After five minutes of running GLBenchmark, the site used its infrared cam to confirm what many of you have already suggested: the new iPad runs a little hot. According to the site's measurements, Cupertino's flagship slab reached 33.6 degrees centigrade (92.5 Fahrenheit), compared to 28.3 centigrade (82.9 Fahrenheit) with the iPad 2. "

Apple has already issued a statement on the matter. We keep an eye on it.

via iclarified