We could be seeing the next generation of iPads, the iPad mini 2 and the iPad Air, in stores as soon as April, sources suggest.
According to “sources familiar with the plans”, the batch of next-generation iPads could launch sometime in April, with the iPad 5 sporting the first major redesign for the line of full-sized Apple slates.
“An April-ish launch is getting serious consideration for the next-generation iPads,” wrote tech blog iMore.
An April iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 release date would fit with the usual Apple launch schedule, especially seeing as the iPad 4 launched just seven months after the problematic iPad 3.
If the sources are correct, we could be in for an Apple-packed spring.
iPad mini 2 rumours
The iPad mini 2 is predicted to draw the current model of the 7.9-inch tab in line with the iPad 4, giving the iPad mini a much higher-resolution IGZO Retina display. However, the sources quoted by iMore suggest that if the iPad mini 2 launches in April, it will not have a Retina display at all.
“Apple is not going to release iPads that cost more or don’t get as good battery life as the current models. So, if the next iPad mini does end up getting slated for April, it could be a spec bump, or have something other than Retina as a differentiator.”
However, the iPad mini 2 could still pack a more powerful processor, akin to the A6X 1.4GHZ dual-core chip in the iPad 4.
If it doesn’t feature a Retina Display, the iPad mini doesn’t really need a huge overhaul, due to the 7.9-inch tab only being launched late 2012.
iPad 5 rumours
The recent iPad 5 case leaks and industry analysts suggest the iPad 5 will feature an iPad mini-esque redesign with a slimmer and lighter form factor. Apple is said to be cutting down the bezel of the iPad 5, whilst still retaining the 9.7-inch screen size.
The next full-sized iPad could feature an IGZO screen panel, allowing the iPad 5 to use a lower-capacity battery without any loss in stamina.
Like the current iPad mini design the iPad 5 could see its microphone relocated to the rear of the device and an improved speaker design.
Do you think the iPad mini deserves a Retina-free upgrade? Will you be buying an iPad 5 if it gets an iPad mini redesign? Let us know via the TrustedReviews Facebook and Twitter pages or the comment boxes below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
