Apple hasn’t unveiled its fifth-generation full-size iPad yet but it might as well have. As is the case with all of Apple’s mobile devices these days, photos, videos and just about everything there is to know about the iPad 5 have leaked out well ahead of Apple’s official unveiling. As is also the case with all of Apple’s mobile device launches, we can likely still expect sales to climb into the millions in the blink of an eye. Last year’s iPad and iPad mini launch saw more than 3 million new Apple tablets fly off store shelves through the first weekend of availability. Will the completely redesigned fifth-generation model help Apple keep its streak of record-breaking launches alive? Here’s everything you can expect from Apple’s next full-size iPad when it is finally unveiled tomorrow during Apple’s press conference:
First and foremost, we know the tablet will get a complete design overhaul. As revealed all the way back in January, Apple’s fifth-generation iPad will adopt a whole new look that more closely resembles the iPad mini. It will be smaller, narrower and lighter than the fourth-generation iPad, but it will still manage to pack in the same high-definition 9.7-inch Retina display.
According to a huge gallery of high-quality photos that leaked recently, the new iPad will be made available in space gray and black in addition to the old silver and white color combination. The new color scheme is identical to the one introduced on Apple’s new iPhone 5s and it looks infinitely nicer than the black housing Apple was initially planning.
While the new iPad housing hasn’t yet been pictured in gold and white, it’s a definite possibility considering Apple’s second-generation iPad mini was recently pictured in gold.
Beyond that, we’re likely looking at a slight bump in specs highlighted by a new 64-bit Apple processor, possibly branded A7X.
The biggest question mark is perhaps whether or not the fifth-generation iPad will include Apple’s new Touch ID fingerprint scanner from the iPhone 5s. A leaked photo of the iPad 5 that surfaced recently suggests it will indeed have a scanner embedded in the home button, however a number of industry watchers are still unconvinced.
Apple’s fifth-generation iPad is expected to launch soon and it will likely be available in the same sizes and at the same prices as the current iPad. As such, we can expect 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB storage options that cost $499, $599, $699 and $799, respectively with Wi-Fi only. Comparable models with an embedded 3G/4G LTE radio will also be available in each size for a $130 premium. And if Apple stays true to form, its fourth-generation iPad will remain available with 16GB of storage starting at $399.
Apple’s press conference on Tuesday begins at 1:00 p.m. EDT, 10:00 a.m. PDT, and BGR will be covering all the news from the event as it breaks.
