FollowThe elegant form factor of the fifth gen iPad is becoming a big buzz much ahead of its rumored launch date. The most recent buzz comes from a photo of the iPad 5’s front panel posted on Chinese website Apple.pro. The photo shows a similar form factor for the iPad 5 and the iPad Mini.
The photo, which Apple.pro took from hihiapple PhotoBucket account, shows a remarkable similarity between the supposed iPad 5-panel and the iPad Mini. It seems to match up with earlier iPad 5 leaks from case makers pointing to thinner side bezels matching the iPad Mini. Nevertheless, it is no convincing evidence because some say that the photo is actually that of the iPad Mini.
A keen observation of the photo alongside the iPad 4 front panel revealed by iFixit shows that the supposed iPad 5’s front-panel bezels are noticeably thinner. Perhaps, a new touch panel is incorporated in the front panel as in the iPad Mini to facilitate the super-slim bezel.
Many rumors have said that Apple will borrow the iPad Mini’s form factor for its fifth gen iPad despite the larger size. It seems like Apple is striving to make its larger devices lighter and easy to manage. Based on this, rumors suggest that weight of iPad 5 could be about one-third less than that of the iPad 4.
With latest rumors pointing to the iPad 5’s release in Fall, many are expecting to hear what Apple has to say about its next gen iPad at the WWDC on June 10th. Apple’s launch preparations are expected to reach fruition this summer or from September through Christmas.
Apple watchers are keenly looking out for the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2. The iPad 5 launch will likely follow the iPhone 5S release in September.
