Apple’s decision to release the 4th-gen iPad less than a year after the 3rd-gen “new iPad” annoyed and angered many users, who felt that their purchases should have kept them on the cutting edge for more than eight months. Nevertheless, according to comments from Topeka Capital analyst Brian White, Apple may be planning to make such a move once again by releasing a new 5th-gen iPad and 2nd-gen iPad mini in March.
MacRumors reports, quoting White:
Our checks at CES indicate Apple will release the iPad 5 and the second-generation iPad mini this March. The iPad 5 is expected to be lighter and thinner than the iPad 4 that was released in October, while the form factor of the iPad mini should be similar to the first generation iPad mini that debuted in October.
If Mr. White is correct, it will mean that Apple’s current lineup of iPads had only a 5 month “new” shelf-life. While many users might find this disappointing, it’s worth noting that such a move wouldn’t be completely uncharacteristic of Apple. For instance, Apple refreshes mane of their Mac lines about once a year – but they will refresh those products with faster processers and better specs between releases.
Even so, Apple has up until now tended to release new versions of their iOS devices no more than once per year. According to White, the 5th generation iPad will be thinner and lighter than its predecessors, and include a new more powerful A6X processor. Rumors have also suggested that the next-gen iPad mini may include a Retina display, in addition to upgraded specs.
The report files in line with a previous rumor which surfaced in December.
