iPad 5 release date update from production hints

We have an update for you now, for those who are already thinking about picking up Apple’s iPad 5.

The annual refresh rumors are slowing starting to pick up pace, with a release date for the iPad 5 5th generation now looking to happen sometime in September. The big debate though, is whether Apple will bring out a product that could even tempt iPad 4 and iPad Mini owners to upgrade.

With an iPhone 5S or iPhone 6 also on the way this year and hogging all of the limelight, you could be forgiven for forgetting about an annual refresh to the iPad. Apple shocked some consumers with the iPad 4, whilst at the same time discontinuing the relatively new (at the time) iPad 3.

Production information on the next iPad is now starting to emerge out of Taiwan, with well known publication DigiTimes claiming that a 9.7-inch iPad 5 will begin its volume production as early as July. Their sources within the supply chain have added that volume production in July will then pave the way for “2-3 million units” to start shipping in September.

Detailed specifications of the device are obviously still a mystery at this point, but you can expect Apple to retain their popular Retina Display features that measure in at 2,048 x 1,536 pixels.

However, one possible addition to the design of the iPad 5, could be a slimmer display bezel around the edges, which Apple unveiled last year with the iPad Mini.

It offers a near edge-to-edge factor about the iPad Mini and Apple could be looking to replicate it with their bigger version in September. DigiTimes are also claiming that the iPad 5 could be 25-33% lighter than the iPad 4, which is a huge change in weight if revealed to be accurate.

Apple has been cutting down on weight with each product iteration over the years, so a 25-33% lighter iPad 5 compared to the iPad 4 will definitely raise one or two eyebrows. All eyes are on Apple’s WWDC 2013 event in June, when hopefully Apple will give some hints on their next iPad and iPhone.

If you are planning to upgrade to the iPad 5, let us know what you would like to see in terms of design and features. Do you support copying the slimmer bezel as seen on the iPad Mini?

Source: product-reviews.net