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iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2: Launch Date? Features?

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iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2: Launch Date? Features?

Does Apple have big plans for the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2? We breakdown the latest buzz.

Editor’s Note: Also see our recent series comparing the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the iPhone 5: Part 1 and Part 2.

A quick look at the calendar will remind you that it’s been months since Apple released the iPad 4, iPad Mini and the iPhone 5. With technology moving forward at a rapid pace, and with the majority of gadget manufacturers making way for their upcoming devices, Apple is definitely brewing something of its own.

We’re all expecting the iPhone 5S and the iPad 5 to go on sale later this year, while the possibility of an iPad Mini 2 hitting the market is a good one as well. Although nothing so far has been officially confirmed, rumors continue to pour in and make the headlines.

The Diplomat has previously rounded up several interesting rumors surrounding the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6. Today we are going to take a similar approach in regards to the next generation of iPads.

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iPad 5 – Lighter and Thinner

Unlike with the iPhone 5S which is surrounded by a thick layer of outlandish rumors, reports concerning the upcoming iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 are more sensible and built on a somewhat sturdier ground.

Judging by a set of leaked pictures, the iPad 5 will be thinner than its predecessor and will also feature a much smaller bezel. Leaks have also depicted an alleged iPad 5 front panel which looks like an oversized iPad Mini more than anything else.

CNET has also reported that the next generation iPad will most likely benefit from an updated LED backlight system, and due to the use of less but more efficient LEDs, the tablet’s weight will be trimmed. The device’s display is also expected to receive an update, but it’s unclear whether or not the changes will be drastic, or if IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) will be used.

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iPad 5 Release Date

According Digi Times sources, the iPad 5 will enter the production phase somewhere between July-August 2013. iPad 5′s display is said to be supplied by Sharp and LG Display. TPK will be in charge of the touch panel assembly, while Teijin and Nitto Denko will supply the ITO (indium tin oxide) thin film.

iPad Mini 2 Display and Release Date

Without a doubt, the biggest criticism directed at the original iPad Mini was with its display quality and resolution. Fortunately, the situation might change with the upcoming iteration, as rumors claim that the tablet might feature a display boasting a resolution of 2048 x 1536.

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There’s not much to say in regards to iPad Mini 2′s release date as the rumors surrounding this have been surprisingly scarce. Early reports have explored the possibility of an April launch for the iPad 5, with the iPad Mini 2 to be released shortly after. Obviously, an April launch for the next-generation iPad is now out of the question, but rumors claim that the iPad Mini 2 could be released as early as next month.

As usual, nothing is set in stone and with the amount of talk surrounding these Apple products, there’s no telling how the story will develop. Nonetheless, these rumors give us a general idea on what to expect, albeit once again we advise you to take this information with a grain of salt.

We’ll definitely come across additional information regarding the next iPad / iPad Mini in the future, but until more information surfaces, feel free to leave a comment below and share your expectations with us. In particular, what improvements would you like Apple to bring to its iPad line-up?

Vlad Andrici is editor for gforgames.com and writes about technology issues.