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iPad 5 Release Rumored for March

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The iPad 5 release could take place in March, offering a thinner lighter version of the iPad 4 and a new iPad mini.

The news comes from analyst Brian White of Topeka Capital who says in a recent note to investors that Apple plans to deliver a new iPad with a 9.7-inch display and a new iPad mini in March.

White’s information comes from CES 2013 which wrapped up in Las Vegas last week. We heard chatter about an un-announced phone during our week in Las Vegas, but this is the first we’ve heard of iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 launch rumors from the show floor.

Business Insider shares the relevant portion of White’s note, which points to a redesigned iPad in the coming months.

Our checks at CES indicate Apple will release the iPad 5 and the second-generation iPad mini this March. The iPad 5 is expected to be lighter and thinner than the iPad 4 that was released in October, while the form factor of the iPad mini should be similar to the first generation iPad mini that debuted in October.

The sources are likely from part makers, suppliers and industry insiders, though we spotted an Apple employee at the show and heard from others that an Apple employee was spotted on the show floor.

iPad 5 Rumors

Earlier rumors pegged the iPad 5 release in mid-2013, but we are hearing increasing chatter about a March 2013 announcement and or release for a new iPad. The iPad 5 release is different from earlier iPad releases as Apple pushed up the release to October 2012. Apple typically announces new iPads in the March to April timeframe, so another refresh could make sense, if Apple is ready to show off a thinner lighter iPad.

In White’s note to investors, he says Apple is working on a thinner and lighter iPad. One way Apple may bring this to life in the iPad 5 is with a thinner display with a higher resolution. Rumors from late 2012 predicted a Sharp IGZO display in the iPad 5 and in the iPhone 6.

We caught up with Sharp to look at the IGZO display technology in person, and caught a demo of the Sharp IGZO screen tech shown below.

In addition to delivering a thinner screen, IGZO tech offers better battery life and better touch responsiveness, something the Gotta Be Mobile team was able to experience hands-on at CES 2013. In one demo, writing on an IGZO screen felt like using a pencil on a piece of paper.

We could see a new processor, but the bigger update will likely be in the looks department. Rumors point to a new iPad sharing design styling with the iPad mini.

iPad mini 2 Rumors

Shortly after Apple announced the iPad mini we heard rumors of the iPad mini 2. If Apple is quick to bring the iPad mini 2 out, we don’t expect dramatic changes to the design of the smaller tablet, but we could see a faster processor and a higher resolution Retina Display.

iPad mini 2 could arrive in March

The iPad mini 2 could arrive in March according to an analyst.

Multiple rumors point to a Retina Display in the iPad mini 2, an upgrade that would solve a recurring complaint about Apple’s iPad mini and offer a better overall experience to the iPad mini, as well as improve reading and web browsing on the smaller tablet.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. William

    02/22/2013 at 2:00 pm

    It would not surprise me if they release one in march, there’s has been hardly any difference between ipad 2 – 4. If its going to be a new design and lighter it would make sense. The ipad 4 was hardly another ipad they had just put the new connector in as it made it probably easier as they could manufacture all the products with the same connector.

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