Neil Hughes
The protective cases were discovered and highlighted on Friday by Giz-China.com, and show space for a camera at the top left of the device. That suggests that like all other portable iOS devices, including the iPhone and iPod touch, the smaller iPad will feature a rear-facing camera.
Also shown on the cases is a small, centered hole atop the back. That's consistent with leaked parts claimed to be from Apple's next iPhone which also show a new mystery hole on the back of the device, located between the camera lens and LED flash.
It has been speculated that the space on the new iPhone could be for a new rear-facing microphone that would improve audio quality when shooting video. It's possible that the empty space on the third-party cases purportedly for Apple's smaller iPad could also be accommodating for a new rear-facing microphone.
Another case available for sale includes a rendering of Apple's rumored smaller iPad featuring both the smaller dock connector as well as a forward-facing FaceTime camera.
Last month, alleged engineering samples of Apple's smaller 7.85-inch iPad appeared online and showed off the use of a smaller dock connector, but gave no indication of a rear-facing camera or microphone. The rumored device was shown to be noticeably thinner than Apple's current third-generation iPad with Retina display.
However, one alleged rear casing for Apple's "iPad mini" which surfaced earlier this month did not show a rear-facing camera or the mystery space found in the new third-party cases. But that alleged part also lacked the legally required technical info and disclaimer text usually found on the back of Apple's devices, casting some doubt on the part's authenticity.
Rumors have pegged Apple's smaller iPad to launch in October ahead of the holiday shopping season. It's been suggested that Apple may hold a separate media event from its anticipated Sept. 12 unveiling of a new iPhone to launch a smaller iPad model.
AppleInsider Staff
Malcolm Owen
Oliver Haslam
Andrew O'Hara
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
50 Comments
Not sure if this is real or if this is 2011's Tear drop iPhone 5 all over again.
Enough already. It seems most of your posts recently are about the speculation and often likely legally questionable revelations about the new iPhone or iPad.
I fully support journalists who cross the legal line to reveal unethical and legitimately questionable or illegal behavior, but to spread rumors or facts about a product that is supposed to be confidential serves no good purpose. To devote so much time and bits to it is a waste of time; mine and yours. Speculate and express desires if you want but please stop sharing the latest visual rumors, no matter how maybe valid you think they might be. You are collaborating with, encouraging, and/or supporting questionable activities. You are trying to peek before Christmas, and speculating whether Santa left some decoys.
We will all see them when the Apple Santa wants us to see them.
Very clearly looks like a hole for a noise-canceling/video recording mic to me.
Top Apple Executive Saw Market for 7-Inch Tablet in 2011, Said Company Should Do One
“I believe there will be a 7-inch market and we should do one,” Cue wrote in the email, which forwarded an article written by a reporter that switched from the iPad to a 7-inch Samsung tablet.
http://allthingsd.com/20120803/apples-eddy-cue-saw-market-for-7-inch-tablet-in-2011-said-should-do-one/
They copied Samsung's strategy. just saying
What about an IR Transmitter? If this truly is the remote for the new Apple TV, they could be including an IR transmitter for backwards compatability with various players/tuner boxes.