FollowWhile many are pondering over rumors pointing to a delayed iPhone 5S release, more rumors have sprouted about the iPad 5 launch. They come from Japanese blog Macotakara, which says that the next iPad will come shortly after the iPhone 5S release in September. At its annual earnings conference, Apple revealed that iPhone 5 will be followed by a tablet, which will come out before the close of the year.
The source also has some cues on the special features of the fifth gen iPad. The device will have a rear microphone positioned next to the camera, resembling the iPhone 5’s design. Some older rumors have suggested that the next iPad will have thinner side bezels similar to the iPad mini.
Coming to the form factor, the new iPad will have a slimmer profile with a light brushed metal appearance. The looks will likely match the iPhone 5 and iPad mini as evident from leaked prototypes. Despite trimming down, the display will remain 9.7 inches.
Among the special features, the new iPad 5 is expected to come with a cellular compatible standard SIM port, meaning that it can make and receive phone calls. The processor will be faster possibly running on the iOS 7 expected at the WWDC 2013.
The iPhone 5S is expected to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S4, which is one of the fastest selling smartphones right now. It will probably make its first impression with its color because it is likely to come in gold, grey and navy blue.
Reports say that Apple has reserved its big hardware launches for late 2013. Analysts forecast that the iPhone 5S will not feature major upgrades, meaning that it will be an interim upgrade. The iPhone 6 is expected to be a major overhaul over its predecessor.
