A new rumor says that the fifth-generation iPad will reportedly launch in September, with the iPad mini soon to follow, even though features of the second-generation device, such as a Retina display, may still be up in the air.
The details were relayed by the usual supply chain sources to DigiTimes, a Taiwanese tech industry publication frequently skewered for its track record. On Monday, the publication said that a new 9.7-inch iPad is planned to debut in September with a slimmer bezel, as has been rumored.
Also, the report says the number of LED tubes used to backlight the Retina display has been reduced to one, down from the current device’s two, and the battery life has correspondingly been improved. The rumor states that pilot production of the device is already able to satisfy demand for the initial launch, and suppliers allegedly expect Apple to supply shipment estimates as soon as the end of July. Targets for the iPad mini are allegedly more “fluid” with sources for DigiTimes reporting that Apple is “still considering whether to adopt a Retina display for the device.” If Apple goes with the Retina display for the smaller tablet, the release of the product could be delayed until the fourth quarter of this year. The report also alleges that Apple is pushing its component suppliers to shrink the bezel of the mini even further, and is alleged to be pushing for a largely bezel-less design. Of course, this report from a source with a track record like DigiTimes is all just another log on the the fire of the continuing iPad and iPad mini rumors, so please accept this offering as such. Many grains of salt will be needed for such reports between now and the official announcements of the new iPad and iPad mini.
