Click to Skip Ad
Closing in...

Apple’s full-size iPad isn’t dead yet: Completely redesigned iPad due in Q3

Updated Feb 21st, 2013 10:58AM EST

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

Apple’s (AAPL) iPad mini stole the full-size tablet’s thunder when it launched last November, and a number of industry watchers believe the larger iPad’s heyday is behind us. Not so, according to plugged-in market research firm TrendForce. In a new report, the Taiwan-based research firm says that Apple’s fifth-generation iPad is set to debut in the third quarter this year and it will feature an extensive overhaul that will reignite consumer interest in Apple’s 9.7-inch slate.

“Firstly, for the improvement on product design itself, the next generation of iPad will apply the thin GF2 touch module of the same level as iPad mini and use the narrow bezel panel design to solve the issue of larger volume, thickness, and weight that have been criticized to gain a better balance for consumers in mobility and visual experiences,” the firm stated in its report, which is based on TrendForce analyst Eric Chiou’s findings.

The research firm’s report reinforces an earlier leak suggesting Apple’s next-generation iPad will adopt a design that is very similar to the current iPad mini.

“Secondly, it is to underline the product positioning, the long-beloved iPad 2 is expected to retire with honor with the reveal of new iPad,” the report continued.

TrendForce also notes that cost reductions related to the new iPad’s display panel could allow Apple to drop the price a bit on its upcoming redesigned flagship tablet, but the firm makes no assertion that Apple will indeed relay the savings to end users.

The firm believes that the iPad mini will represent roughly 65% of Apple tablet shipments in the first half of 2013, but that ratio will balance out to 50/50 following the new iPad’s launch in the second half.[bgr-post-bug]

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.