Apple’s iPad 3 and iPhone 5 release dates are of course the most highly anticipated and discussed likely to come during 2012 as a whole – both of which are likely to see iOS 5.1 become the new company standard and continue a massively successful legacy.

In fact, according to the latest string of industry reports, iOS devices have now succeeded Mac OS X devices based on web traffic figures.

Those responsible for the latest data have pointed out that for the very first time in the company’s history, more users of iOS devices are surfing the web than those using OS X devices, which includes the iMac range, all MacBooks and so on.

Massive growth in iOS use was noted during the latter stages of 2011, with the introduction of the iPhone 4S now being tipped as most likely cause of the latest surge.

Next month is of course set to bring around the iPad 3 release date, with the new-generation of the unstoppably popular tablet series likely to boast a new A6 processor, Retina quality display and a new version of iOS 5.1. The iPhone 5 release date is also estimated to come around as early as the summer months, offering an increased screen size and the same A6 processor and OS upgrades.

Needless to say therefore, the global frenzy both devices are expected to trigger will most likely spur an even larger surge in the iOS market share push, which will again severely dent the growth and success of OS X.

2012 is likely to bring around a number of new additions to the MacBook range, though some analysts are already suggesting that no devices produced by Apple or otherwise will be able to halt the iOS momentum, which may in turn signal the end of an era and the dawning of a new age of an iOS-exclusive Apple product range.