iPad

We’ve heard plenty of rumblings regarding Apple’s fifth-generation iPad, which was expected to be unveiled in the coming months. Reports have varied, but now a source with a solid track record when it comes to unannounced Apple products has thrown his hat into the ring. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on Thursday told clients that the upcoming “iPad 5″ will not launch until this coming fall, contradicting earlier reports that pointed to an announcement as soon as this month. Ming-Chi also wrote that the new iPad will be 25% lighter and 15% thinner than the current full-size iPad, again supporting an earlier leak that pictured a completely redesigned iPad shell that adopts the iPad mini’s design identity. More →

A purported case designed to fit Apple’s fifth-generation iPad has been pictured, suggesting once again that a major redesign will be introduced when Apple takes the wraps off its new full-size iPad in the coming months. Following a leak this past January in which the rear shell from Apple’s upcoming full-size iPad was pictured, a number of subsequent reports have supported claims that Apple’s next iPad will take design cues from the iPad mini and scale them up to fit a 9.7-inch Retina display. Now, images of protective cases for Apple’s fifth-generation iPad obtained by Engadget, again suggest an all new design will debut on the “iPad 5.” Additional photos of the case follow below. More →

Apple’s fifth-generation iPad may debut as soon as later this month, and it is expected to feature a significant design overhaul. With major internal and external changes reportedly in store, Apple’s next full-size iPad is said to be adopting the iPad mini’s design identity — and a recently leaked photo of what is claimed to be the new iPad’s rear shell reinforces those claims. But while the technology changes Apple introduced in the third-generation iPad resulted in a slightly thicker tablet compared to the iPad 2, the next iPad will reportedly be both thinner and lighter than its predecessor. More →

Photos of what is claimed to be the front glass and bezel assembly from Apple’s (AAPL) fifth-generation iPad leaked on Wednesday, reinforcing earlier reports of a major upcoming redesign. An image of the new iPad’s purported rear shell was published this past January, showing a redesigned case that closely resembles the iPad mini. Now, French blog Nowhereelse.fr has photos of what it claims to be the new iPad’s front bezel and glass display cover. While their authenticity is not guaranteed, the photos show a new thinner bezel that aligns with earlier reports suggesting the new iPad will have a smaller overall footprint while maintaining the same 9.7-inch display size. An additional photo of the purported fifth-generation iPad bezel follows below. More →

While the tech press awaits invitations for a fifth-generation iPad unveiling rumored to take place later this month, a new report claims the new Apple (AAPL) tablet won’t be launching anytime soon. Citing multiple unnamed sources in Apple’s supply chain, Digitimes on Tuesday reported that volume production of Apple’s fifth-generation 9.7-inch iPad will not begin until July or August. Earlier reports stated that Apple’s next iPad would launch in April but this new report, if accurate, suggests the tablet won’t be released until this fall. Apple’s fifth iPad is expected to feature a complete redesign that adopts the iPad mini’s design identity and reduces the overall footprint of the device.

Apple’s (AAPL) iPad has one big advantage going for it that the iPhone can’t match: it doesn’t rely on wireless carriers to be distributors. Barron’s points us to a new note from Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi outlining the reasons why it’s “highly unlikely” that Apple’s share of the tablet market will ever fall to the level of its smartphone market share. The most important factor, writes Sacconaghi, is that ”the iPad has stronger global distribution through Apple stores, carrier partners and network of resellers, including third-party retail outlets (e.g., Best Buy, Wal-Mart, carrier stores) and third-party websites (e.g., Amazon.com).” In contrast, the iPhone is distributed by just 240 carriers worldwide, which Sacconaghi notes is “significantly lower than Samsung (005930) and Nokia (NOK), which have essentially global distribution, and Blackberry (BBRY), which is distributed by >2x the number of carriers.”

Apple (AAPL) has long been rumored to be prepping a completely redesigned full-size iPad that will debut this year, and the new tablet will reportedly be unveiled at a press conference later this month. A number of well-known Apple bloggers held a public discussion on social site Branch on Tuesday, and they covered a number of topics. Among them were Apple’s efforts to overhaul the user interface in iOS 7 and the company’s plans to unveil its next-generation iPad during a press conference this month. Earlier reports suggested that Apple will release a redesigned iPad this year and images of a purported rear shell from the fifth-generation iPad leaked in January, revealing a new design resembling Apple’s smaller iPad mini tablet.