Many of us were shocked when Apple released the fourth generation iPad just months after its predecessor. Lately, we’ve been hearing whispers of an upcoming Retina iPad mini and another iPad to be released in mid-2013. Now there’s talk of a fifth generation iPad release early next year.
According to Japanese blog Macotakara, Apple is readying the launch of a thinner and lighter redesigned iPad in March 2013 (translated by Google):
Chinese CBSi ZOL is, the report of AppleInsider, but not touching only iPad mini next, according to informed sources, and seems to have a plan announced in March 2013 (5th generation) iPad otherwise tells. In order to counter the Nexus 7 and Surface, it seems there is a possibility that the product release cycle faster. I’m told the design was great as it iPad mini, its design, lighter and thinner. (Perhaps, I considered smaller 2mm 4mm height, 17mm width, thickness)
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard a rumor like this. It’s also important to note that Macotakara definitely has a decent track record when it comes to iOS device rumors. They have previous correctly predicted the design of the seventh generation iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod touch.
To be honest, I was surprised that Apple didn’t carry over the iPad mini design with the fourth generation iPad. I would definitely expect an iPad redesign on the fifth generation model, I’m just not sure I can stomach such a quick release cycle just yet.
Source: Macotakara via MacRumors