Completely Redesigned iPad 5 Rumored for Q3 Release

Rumors have been leaking like crazy about Apple’s second generation iPad mini, and now we have one more to add to the list about the iPad 5, or fifth generation full-sized iPad slate. According to the latest reports, Apple will completely redesign the iPad 5 and the tablet is slated to launch in the third quarter of this year.

It’s still unclear what Apple’s completely redesigned tablet would look like, but the Cupertino, California iPad-maker may be trying to create a more unified styling for its iPad and iPad mini line. While the current fourth generation iPad shares the same basic design with the third and second generation models, Apple’s iPad mini share some design aesthetics the iPhone, including a slate black anodized aluminum back plate for the black model and a chamfeured edge around the front. Additionally, it’s also speculated that the full sized iPad may have slimmer side bezels like the iPad mini, so it will retain the 9.7-inch display area but will come in a more narrow form factor when the slate is held in portrait orientation.

And with slimmer side bezels, Apple had added intelligent software algorithms to prevent accidental screen presses when you’re holding the slate in portrait mode on the iPad mini. These algorithms can also be applied to the more narrow larger display iPad.

Also, from the same market analysis report from Taiwan’s Trendforce, Apple may be retiring the second generation iPad model when it introduces the fifth generation full-sized tablet.

It’s expected that over time, Apple’s tablet market share will be divided evenly between the iPad and iPad mini product lines. The iPad mini has a 7.9-inch display and is Apple’s attempt to compete against smaller tablets like the Google Nexus 7 and the Amazon Kindle Fire slates.

A previous rumor suggested that Apple may introduce the iPad 5 in the Spring. Other rumored specs include thinner screens using Sharp’s IGZO display technology.