iPad 5 Release Date Set for October, Tablet Features Complete Redesign

Image courtesy of Apple
iPad 4/iPad Mini

By Vincent Funaro , Christian Post Reporter

January 27, 2013|11:56 am

The iPad 5 release date will be in October, according to a new report, which offers new details into the eagerly awaited next generation Apple tablet.

iLounge's Jeremy Horowitz filed a new report which stated that he has inspected what he believes to be the shell designed for the 5th generation iPad. He also said that the new iPad will adopt many of the features currently seen on the iPad Mini.

"What does it look like? Well, it's a lot smaller than one would guess possible: in portrait orientation, picture 9.7" screen with virtually no left or right bezels, and only enough space above and below the screen to accommodate the mandatory camera and Home button elements," said Horowitz describing the device.

"Beyond that, it's noticeably thinner, as well, which is to say the fifth-generation iPad will be smaller in every dimension than its predecessors," he continued. "As it will have the same chamfered edges and curves, calling it a "stretched iPad mini" is very close to entirely accurate."

The report also states that since the upcoming iPad is so much smaller and thinner than the 4th generation model, it must have a completely redesigned interior. Viewing the shell led Horowitz to believe that Apple might be using IGZO panels and smaller chip components for its new device.

Horowitz touched on the release date stating that even though Apple hoped to push out the next-generation iPad by March, it probably will not launch until Oct. 2013 due to issues with component yields.

Horowitz has shared accurate information in the past regarding Apple's products so his information is thought by many analysts in the industry to be reasonably reliable. According to reports he has some reliable sources with access to Apple's supply chain.