iPad 5, iPad Mini 2 Release Date 2013 Rumors, Features & Price: What the World Expects at the Apple Oct. 22 Launch Event
On Oct. 22, Apple will hold a press event where they are expected to unveil the iPad 5, a new iPad mini and details about the newest MacBook Pro, MacBook and their desktop operating system, OS X Mavericks. Although many details about the event are still uncertain, it is very likely that Apple will reveal the iPad 5 and iPad mini.
Here is what the world is predicting to learn about Apple's newest iPads at its Oct 22 conference.
The fifth-generation iPad may be thinner and lighter, while still maintaining its 9.7-inch display. Apple's tablet is also predicted to use the 64-bit A7 chip first introduced in the iPhone 5s.
"The iPad 5 is simply a larger version of the iPad Mini, if a detailed video demonstration by a Hong Kong parts retailer is accurate," CNET said based off of information from a YouTube video by Sw-box.com.
A fingerprint sensor, also introduced with the iPhone 5s, could be in the works for the new iPad. Ctechn.com, a Chinese blog, leaked photos of what they claim to be an iPad 5 with a fingerprint scanner replacing the home button, just like on the 5s.
iPad mini
Many also expect the iPad mini to operate with the 64-bit A7. On the other hand, older rumors from MacRumors say that the iPad mini will have an A7Z processor instead, referring to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo as their source. Kuo also told the blog that the newest iPad will measure between 7.5 and 8 millimeters, making it 15 percent thinner than the iPad 4.
Analysts and bloggers expect the mini to be upgraded with retina display, an Apple-created term that means pixel density "so high the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels from a normal viewing distance, so text and graphics look incredibly sharp." Amit Daryana, a RBC Capital Markets analyst, told CNET that the newest iPad mini will be thicker in order to accommodate retina display.
Providing the public with iPad minis with Retina display, however, could cause distribution problems for Apple.
"Apple's supply chain is only now gearing up to make Retina displays for the iPad Mini, which means the gadgets could be available in only limited quantities this year, if at all, and the company may miss the chance to cash in on the year-end holiday shopping season, the sources said," Reuters said referring to sources of "people who work in the company's supply chain."
Still, an iPad mini with Retina display is possible for this year, even if in limited supply until 2014.
Both iPads
Other possible iPad updates include new gold, silver and gray color options, like the iPhone 5s, and an upgraded camera.
9to5mac also consulted the "often reliable" Kuo who said that a rear camera upgrade from 5-megapixels to 8-megapixels with a larger aperture is likely for both iPads.
As for a release date for Apple's newest tablets, some blogs predict an Oct. 31 release. MacG, a French blog, claims the iPad 5 and iPad mini will be released Oct. 30 or Oct. 31. TechRadar agrees with this date, reporting that Apple tends to release new products 10 days after announcing them. MacG also predicted an Oct. 24 or Oct. 25 release for the MacBook Pro and a Nov. 15 release for the Mac Pro.