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First Photos of the iPad 5 Rear Shell Show a Significantly Smaller Enclosure

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artist

Banned
Probably posted in some other mega thread but figured discussion of this deserved it's own thread.

9to5Mac has unconfirmed images of what could be the rear panel for the next iPad. The images match up very closely with a report from last week.

ipad5backlpsrx.jpg


"While we cannot confirm that the above image is legitimate, it does provide a solid representation of what Apple’s next iPad will likely look like. We were told this is a prototype back piece for the fifth-generation iPad with a 9.7-inch display. We were also told that the casing is almost as thin as the iPad mini’s back (pictured to the right). As you can see at the top of the purported iPad 5 backplate, this casing would likely be for an LTE model – as the black antenna cut implies."​

ipadsidehbs3v.jpg


The report lines up with iLounge's first description of the new iPad which is expected to arrive in October with smaller, iPad mini-esque bezels and chamfered edges and curves.

"What does it look like? Well, it’s a lot smaller than one would guess was possible: in portrait orientation, picture a 9.7” screen with virtually no left or right bezels, and only enough space above and below the screen to accommodate the mandatory camera and Home Button elements. Beyond that, it’s noticeably thinner, as well, which is to say the the fifth-generation iPad will be smaller in every dimension than its predecessors. As it will have the same chamfered edges and curves, calling it a “stretched iPad mini” is very close to entirely accurate."​

Leaks of parts for upcoming Apple products are becoming more and more common as the Asian supply chain grows larger.

Update:

compare96sid.jpg


Diwali posted this mockup based on the dimensions of the case:

ipad5_2jqsdu.jpg
Source: MacRumors
 

TUSR

Banned
Thinner border
Chamfer
Anodized aluminum

All we need now is the IZGO panels and consider it sold.
 

Cheebo

Banned
The iPad 2-4 shell is looking pretty ancient compared to iPad Mini and iPhone 5, glad this years model is getting the redesign.
 
If iPad Mini doesn't get a Retina upgrade this year, then this iPad Megamini will do.

Seems like a good year to jump into the tablet market
grin.gif
 
oh man, if its noticeably lighter than the current gen ipad, then choosing between the next gen ipad & mini is going to be a hard decision.
 

shuri

Banned
What in the bloody hell, I just bought a current ipad last week! It's in transit! They are already making the shells for the new one?
 

Cipherr

Member
Am I naive to still hope the next iPad will come out in March?
no I don't mean the 128GB Version

I really miss my iPad

We have photos of the casing now. So yeah, the event should be announced soon. Normally when this stuff leaks, the release is right around the corner.
 
Is there any point of purchasing the next iPad over the next iPad mini? Honest question.
PDFs are a bit of a pain on the iPad Mini, though that won't be an issue if the next iteration gets a Retina display. I guess watching movies is more enjoyable with a 10-inch screen than an 8-inch one too.

Agreed that the Mini is the ideal size for 90% of the market, though. I didn't want to put it down when I tested it at the Apple Store.
 

Kunan

Member
Is there any point of purchasing the next iPad over the next iPad mini? Honest question.
Screen size. I carry mine in a messenger bag, so the reduced size of the mini isn't really necessary (although it's weight is highly desired by me!). My aunt has a mini that fits in her purse, so that size is perfect for her. Since I use mine at home and on trips generally, I like the larger size of the display. If I was carrying it around by hand, going to meetings or something, I'd prefer the mini.
 

TheContact

Member
What in the bloody hell, I just bought a current ipad last week! It's in transit! They are already making the shells for the new one?

I think it's like every 6 months they have a new version out. I'm not completely sure about the trend though
 

Calmine

Member
So does this mean the iPad 5 would be better spec than the 4 or just a redesign to go with Mini and iPhone 5?

Too early to tell?
 
I bought the third gen iPad when it was released last year and still absolutely love it. But holding the Mini gives you a glimpse at the future and I can't wait until the full-size model is as thin and comparably light. That will probably be my next upgrade for sure.
 

Carlisle

Member
Assuming the 2012 release schedule will continue, the spring updates are major and fall are barely spec bumps to capitalize on holidays. So this version out in spring, and 128gb version in fall? I could see that.
 

mrklaw

MrArseFace
isn't it a bit early for ipad leaks if they've moved to Fall availability?

and won't those bezels be too small to hold comfortably?

Not too worried about battery life, they will want to stick to the same as current ipads so they'll only be shrinking it if they have reduced the power consumption
 

grkazan12

Member
Looks wonderful, I love the mini but I still prefer the larger screen for browsing the web and movies. I really hope it's announced this spring, maybe in March.
 
Did the last iPad have a retina screen? I can't remember. Either way I may upgrade this year, the screen on my iPad 2 looks so bad compared to my iPhone 5.

Also I thought this thing was coming out in February, what's this October business?

Edit: whoah $800?!
 

TUSR

Banned
Did the last iPad have a retina screen? I can't remember. Either way I may upgrade this year, the screen on my iPad 2 looks so bad compared to my iPhone 5.

Also I thought this thing was coming out in February, what's this October business?

Edit: whoah $800?!


Yes and lightning connector.
 

Deadstar

Member
We've gone over his with the iPad mini already.

iOS ignores accidental touches near the edges of the screen to compensate for the lack of a bezel.

Ah....I'm more concerned about my thumb covering the screen than accidentally touching the screen. Can someone tell me why the border was an issue? I'm hoping to get the ipad5 as my first iPad but the shorter border makes me less excited.
 

Somnid

Member
All tablets should be edge-to-edge screen. Apps can handle the edges how they want including touch-inactive borders of current-gen tablet equivalent size if they want. No need to try to solve this problem in the hardware or design.
 
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