Apple could announce the next-generation iPad as early as next week, according to a report today.

AllThingsD hears from "multiple sources" that Apple is planning on holding a media event next Wednesday, March 2, to introduce the iPad 2. The event will take place in San Francisco.

Apple hasn't sent official invitations yet, but it's been widely assumed Apple would start selling an updated version of its popular tablet about a year after the original device went on sale. The iPad debuted in stores the first weekend in April 2010. An introduction at a press conference on March 2 would give Apple about a month before sales begin.

The AllThingsD report hit several hours after a rumor began making the rounds this morning that the next iPad would be delayed until this summer.