iPad 5 Photo Leak Reveals Possible Size of New iPad

A new set of iPad 5 back plate photos show off the rumored iPad mini design and add some dimensions to the mix showing the size of the iPad 5 and other details about the design.

The iPad 5 rumors started in early 2013, with the focus on a new design that is thinner and lighter and multiple leaks including this iPad 5 rear case all point to a completely new design for the larger iPad, but it is a design most users are familiar with.

The iPad 5 rear case looks a lot like the iPad mini design Apple introduced in late 2012, and with the new design users can expect a thinner, narrower and lighter iPad 5. While this may not match the iPad mini on portability, it should help Apple showcase the larger iPad better.

Thanks to a collection of leaks in Apple’s supply chain and statements from analysts we are expecting an iPad 5 that is as much as 15% thinner than the iPad 4 and 25% lighter. The new iPad 5 photos come complete with measurements that also show a thinner iPad 5.

FaniticFone shares seven iPad 5 photos highlighting what is likely the rear panel for the new iPad. They claim this panel measures 240mm x 168mm.

This is about the same height as the iPad 4, but 17.7mm narrower than the iPad 4 for a reduction in width of about 10%. This comes by shrinking the bezels on the sides of the iPad 5, which would likely use the same software to prevent accidental touches as the iPad mini.

The new design includes a smaller space between the border and the screen of the iPad 5, reportedly 3mm. It is unclear if this refers to the bezel space or to the space for a display to sit inside the iPad 5 housing. Apple is reportedly switching to a new touch screen technology it first introduced on the iPad mini to make this thinner design possible.

Other notable changes to the iPad 5, if this housing is accurate, include a two-button volume rocker like on the iPad mini and a speaker that now faces down like that on the iPad mini and iPhone 5. The Apple logo is also reportedly silver, instead of black.

The iPad 5 release is likely for this fall, but the exact timing remains up in the air. MIng-Chi Kuo an analyst with KGI Securities believes we will see an iPad 5 launch in early September, while CitiGroup claims the iPad 5 release is set for October.

We expect the iPad in WiFi and LTE models and this could be the first time Apple releases a T-Mobile iPad, after releasing the T-Mobile iPhone earlier this year. We may also see the iPad 5 on U.S. Cellular which promises to carry the iPhone in 2013.