Mobile Technology

Apple rumored to release a thinner iPad 5 in March

Apple rumored to release a thinner iPad 5 in March
The report's description suggests that the iPad 5 will resemble a larger iPad mini
The report's description suggests that the iPad 5 will resemble a larger iPad mini
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The report's description suggests that the iPad 5 will resemble a larger iPad mini
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The report's description suggests that the iPad 5 will resemble a larger iPad mini
Could we soon be seeing something like this on Apple's website (Digitally altered image)
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Could we soon be seeing something like this on Apple's website (Digitally altered image)

When Apple released a 4th-generation iPad just eight months after its predecessor, we wondered whether we'd still see a new iPad in March (its typical release slot). A new report claims that we will, with a redesigned 5th-generation iPad waiting in the wings.

According to Japanese blog Macotakara (which has a solid record with supply chain leaks), the iPad 5's design will borrow from the iPad mini. Their sources expect the tablet to be 4 mm shorter, 2 mm thinner, and 17 mm narrower. The huge decrease in width suggests thinner side bezels, like the iPad mini.

The report says that Apple is accelerating its release cycle as a response to the Nexus 7 and Surface. That's almost certainly speculation on their part, as Apple wouldn't likely brief suppliers on its motives. But competition is heating up in the tablet market. A new iPad would serve as ammunition against rival devices, as well as minimizing the iPad mini's cannibalization of its big brother.

Retina iPad mini?

Could we soon be seeing something like this on Apple's website (Digitally altered image)
Could we soon be seeing something like this on Apple's website (Digitally altered image)

The report also mentions a 2nd-generation iPad mini with Retina Display. This isn't the first time we've heard this, but this report says that it will have a 7.9-inch, 2,048 x 1,536 display with an A6X chip.

The source doesn't have a time frame for the alleged Retina iPad mini, but it says that it will enter trial production later this month.

Truth or fiction?

We'd recommend taking this – and all Apple rumors – with healthy grains of salt. But the details are logical. Many believe that Apple is moving to a six-month iPad release cycle. Additionally, the 4th-gen. iPad is bulky and heavy next to the iPad mini; a thinner, lighter design would help to put it (and its higher profit margins) back in the spotlight.

Either way, Apple's secrecy isn't what it used to be. A series of leaks left little surprises when Apple revealed the iPad 3, iPhone 5, and iPad mini. Is this one of those surprise killers, or just a bunch of hot air? Stay tuned.

Source: Macotakara, via Macrumors

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