AppleInsider Staff
Contrary to claims that a new full-size iPad will be introduced this month, a new report claims that Apple will instead begin production of its fifth-generation tablet later this summer.
The claim was published on Tuesday by DigiTimes, a Taiwanese tech industry news site with a questionable track record with respect to Apple rumors. The report cited the site's usual sources at Taiwan-based supply chain makers.
In line with previous rumors, Tuesday's report claimed the new iPad will be lighter and thinner than the fourth-generation model with a slim bezel design similar to that of the iPad mini. The display for the new iPad will reportedly be produced by LG Display and Sharp, while touch panels will come from TPK.
The new iPad had been pegged for an "April-ish" release by Rene Ritchie of iMore. Again last week, he indicated he has heard from "several sources" that an April iPad event was planned by Apple, "if it's ready."
Speculation on Apple's next iPad has been varied, with other, earlier reports claiming the device could launch as late as October of this year. Apple surprised last year with two iPad launches, introducing the third-generation model with Retina display last March, only to unveil a fourth-generation model with a faster A6X CPU, Lightning connector and FaceTime HD camera in October.
This year, the company surprised again by launching a new, higher-capacity 128-gigabyte model in early February. It costs $799 for the Wi-Fi-only model, while a variant with cellular connectivity runs $929.
Following the launch of the iPad mini late last year, Apple's smaller 7.9-inch model has reportedly been cannibalizing sales of the larger 9.7-inch model. Some reports have indicated that the iPad mini is already outselling the full-size iPad.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
28 Comments
Perhaps we'll see both new iPads and the Mac Pro at a May event? Or will they keep the Mac Pro for WWDC in June?
DigiTimes. Just as stunning. Now run by people with a single-digit IQ.
[quote name="Ireland" url="/t/156876/rumor-apple-to-begin-production-of-5th-gen-ipad-in-july-august#post_2307159"]Perhaps we'll see both new iPads and the Mac Pro at a May event? Or will they keep the Mac Pro for WWDC in June?[/quote] I don't think a new Mac Pro 'needs' an event. It might just simply pop up on their website. Posted earlier in the year: Will they create a new tagline, or simply reuse an old one? The Power Macintosh G3: Performance, capabilities, and style that will dazzle you every day you use it. Move over, speed of light. Introducing the Power Mac G4. Two brains are better than one. Power Mac G4 Cube. So much technology. So little space. Power to burn. Pro create. Introducing the new Power Mac G4. Introducing the new Power Mac G4. All with dual processors. The new Power Mac G4. Faster, more expandable, and more affordable than ever. The Power Mac G5. The world's fastest personal computer. The new Power Mac G5. Engineered for the creative class. The 64-bit professional dream machine. Power Mac G5. The power of four. Room to grow. Introducing Mac Pro. Professional velocity. The new Mac Pro. Tower of 8-core power. The new Mac Pro. Beauty outside. Beast inside. Mac. To the power of 12.
[quote name="PhilBoogie" url="/t/156876/rumor-apple-to-begin-production-of-5th-gen-ipad-in-july-august#post_2307162"] I don't think a new Mac Pro 'needs' an event. It might just simply pop up on their website.[/quote] Perhaps you're right, but if it's very different I see them showing it off at an event. It has looked exactly this way for 7 years. If they change it radically it'd be like Apple not showing off the first Mac mini at an event. It'll likely be radically different with several cool and show-off-able features. I see them really capitalising on that.
[quote name="PhilBoogie" url="/t/156876/rumor-apple-to-begin-production-of-5th-gen-ipad-in-july-august#post_2307162"] I don't think a new Mac Pro 'needs' an event. It might just simply pop up on their website. [/quote] [quote name="Ireland" url="/t/156876/rumor-apple-to-begin-production-of-5th-gen-ipad-in-july-august#post_2307163"] Perhaps you're right, but if it's very different I see them showing it off at an event. It's look exactly this way for 7 years. If they change it radically it'd be like Apple not showing off the first Mac mini at an event. It'll likely be radically different with several cool and show-off-able features. I see them really capitalising on that.[/quote] It depends on how "new" it is. Regardless, it won't be a Mac Pro only event even if it happens.