A flurry of rumours has been doing the rounds about the speculated release date of the iPad 5. Everyone is just SO EXCITED.
And that is definitely a good sign for Apple, who are now apparently perceived by the masses as less “inspiring” than they were three years ago. Bad times. Their next move may well define the brand’s reputation for the next few years. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for KGI Securities wrote: "Though the iPad mini is expected to be successful, we think launching the lighter, thinner 9.7-inch iPad as quickly as possible matters more for Apple strategically.”
So, when does everyone think it is going to be available?
Estimated dates range from well, right now, all the way through to October; which means absolutely nothing concrete. According to analyst Gene Munster a spring launch is the most likely eventuality: "The history of time between Apple product launch events suggests that the company will introduce something new in March or April. Over the past two years, the spring event has been iPad updates." However, a report in the Digitimes has suggested that Apple’s supplier of the touch sensors has reported a shortage, meaning the iPad 5 and the iPad Mini 2 could well be delayed on release. Let’s keep our fingers crossed – because that looks naff! (HTC, Nexus we’re looking at you.)
Echoing the trend of the iPhone which is starting to ruffle a few feathers, the iPad 4 changed very little from its predecessor looks-wise; it’s the same weight, thickness and price point so, unless Apple have completely ignored the irritated murmurs of fans and analysts who claim they are losing their reputation for innovation, the iPad 5 will probably be a little thinner and lighter than its predecessors. Macworld think that one way the firm might lighten the fifth generation tablet would be to use only 1 LED light instead of the usual 2. This would also mean that the device would consume less power and could therefore run on a lighter, thinner battery. It’s all dovetailing, isn’t it!
It is expected to have the GF2 touch screen technology which the iPad Mini already sports and iLounge’s Jeremy Horwtiz – who claims to have seen iPad 5 already – has suggested that it has virtually no bezels, leaving just enough space to squeeze in the home button and front camera. Check out the mock-up above; pretty sleek right?!
Other rumours which have been doing the rounds suggest that the newest generation might well have wireless charging capabilities. A patent named “Integrated inductive charging in Protective Cover” (ooh, catchy) was filed in September 2011, which talks of an “inductive power transmitter arranged to wirelessly pass power”. This suggests that the company might well be looking to equip their Smart Covers with induction coils so that you can charge your iPad by just closing the cover. Clever!
Would you get yourself the iPad 5 when it is released? If so, then don’t forget to recycle your old tablet with us here at OnRecycle. It’s good for the environment and could earn you a bit of dollar too!
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