It is the time of year again when we get ready for the release of the latest iPad and we watch and wait for all the rumours to come together with the final product. Much like previous years the rumours have been circulating ever since the iPad 4 was released last October. The majority of the speculation focuses on the size price and and general features that this upgrade may well include. So, to keep you up to date with the latest news from this technology giant, here are some of the most interesting aspects to expect.
Release Date:
There is no set release date as to now, but the iPad 5 is set to be released in mid 2013 with the most likely date to be October, exactly 1 year since the release of the iPad mini and iPad 4. There has been rumour that Apple will be releasing strong fiscal results in early 2013, but so far this has not happened. However, it maybe that, like the last release, we will see two come out at the same time – the iPad 5 and the iPad mini 2, which follow the new release path set by last year.
As Apple generally operates on a 12 month cycle, (this is how the iPhone and iPad releases have happened so far), it is expected that early design features will be shown to the world fairly soon.
The Size Comparison:
The main thing to look out for with the iPad 5 is a move towards the same styling that we see with the iPad mini. This could mean that the latest release will be slimmer and have very limited left and right bezels – matching the look and feel of the iPad mini. This will make it easier to carry around and would suggest a joining in design between the two – a more cohesive collection. If you look at the current design, like this one from Littlewoods iPad selection, you can see the differences between the current iPad and the iPad mini.
According to DigiTimes the iPad 5 will be 25-30% thinner than the fourth generation, which has been made possible by using thinner glass and only a single, backlit, LED light bar instead of the multiple bars of present. Will this make difference to the usability of the screen? Only time will tell.
Specification Changes:
The likelihood is that the iPad 5 will match the iPad 4 with 4G superfast broadband offered through the EE network and then add in an A6X processor that will boast lightning fast speed in comparison to the last release. It may also be possible that Apple will be updating the IOS software in conjunction with the release. It would certainly make sense and be consistent with some of the software updates that have happened alongside the launch of the iPhones.
Rumours have been rife as to how Apple will manage its apps on the new iPad. It could be that some of their much loved apps, iTunes and iPhoto will get a facelift, which has been a longtime coming. This is especially true when you consider the competition from companies like Spotify; iTunes is one that we do hope gets some attention. Along with giving iTunes some attention, there could also be a connection between Apple and Beats Audio; that could offer us a brand new music streaming service – looking forward to all the possibilities!
