Leaked photos show off mini-like rear case of Apple's supposed next-gen iPad
The fifth generation of Apple's full-sized iPad isn't expected to see release until this fall, but new images have emerged showing what may be the rear casing of the device, and it appears to take sizable design cues from the iPad mini.
![](http://photos.appleinsidercdn.com/ipad-casing-1-130801.jpg)
The new images showed up Thursday on Fanatic Fone, revealing a rear casing that looks similar in construction to last year's iPad mini. Reportedly, the dimensions of the case are 24x16.8 centimeters (9.45x6.61 inches), and it weighs only 100 grams (3.53 ounces).
The case is said to have a shorter distance than its predecessors between the border and the screen, measuring about 3mm. As is the case with the mini, there are two holes cut out for the volume buttons, and the loud speaker is placed on the bottom of the rear housing.
![](http://photos.appleinsidercdn.com/ipad-casing-2-130801.jpg)
Rumors began flying about the build of the fifth-generation iPad shortly after the revelation of the iPad mini. Those rumors have consistently predicted that the device will take its design cues from its smaller counterpart.
The months since the iPad mini's unveiling have seen multiple supposed leaks of a rear casing for the device, all largely adhering to the same build.
![](http://photos.appleinsidercdn.com/ipad-casing-3-130801.jpg)
Industry observers believe that the next-generation iPad will be 25 percent lighter than its predecessor and 15 percent thinner. It may also carry a GF2 touch panel, a change from the current iPad's GG touch tech, which would aid in lowering power consumption. Further, the fifth-generation iPad could see the introduction of Apple's A7X processor, which would presumably give it a performance boost over its predecessor.
![](http://photos.appleinsidercdn.com/ipad-casing-1-130801.jpg)
The new images showed up Thursday on Fanatic Fone, revealing a rear casing that looks similar in construction to last year's iPad mini. Reportedly, the dimensions of the case are 24x16.8 centimeters (9.45x6.61 inches), and it weighs only 100 grams (3.53 ounces).
The case is said to have a shorter distance than its predecessors between the border and the screen, measuring about 3mm. As is the case with the mini, there are two holes cut out for the volume buttons, and the loud speaker is placed on the bottom of the rear housing.
![](http://photos.appleinsidercdn.com/ipad-casing-2-130801.jpg)
Rumors began flying about the build of the fifth-generation iPad shortly after the revelation of the iPad mini. Those rumors have consistently predicted that the device will take its design cues from its smaller counterpart.
The months since the iPad mini's unveiling have seen multiple supposed leaks of a rear casing for the device, all largely adhering to the same build.
![](http://photos.appleinsidercdn.com/ipad-casing-3-130801.jpg)
Industry observers believe that the next-generation iPad will be 25 percent lighter than its predecessor and 15 percent thinner. It may also carry a GF2 touch panel, a change from the current iPad's GG touch tech, which would aid in lowering power consumption. Further, the fifth-generation iPad could see the introduction of Apple's A7X processor, which would presumably give it a performance boost over its predecessor.
![](http://photos.appleinsidercdn.com/ipad-casing-4-130801.jpg)
Comments
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/08/01/silver-ipad-5-rear-shell-appears-in-new-photos-with-ipad-mini-styling/
This update makes me want to stick with the 9.7 iPad instead of switching to the retina Mini when I upgrade. Of course, that's exactly why it would be brilliant for Apple to release this first and hold off on the retina Mini.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilBoogie
What, no stereo speakers? I would expect that. Stereo mics - I don't think so; it's terrible enough to see these voice memo's popup in iTunes and listening to your own voice.
Stereo speakers are a waste in a small device because you can't get stereo separation with them so close to each other.
Probably left and right of the middle. Looks like a gap there.
What I would give for stereo and FRONT facing speakers. I know there are aesthetic issues, but I love the sound quality on the one x. Rear speakers that get muffled by your hand or lap or table or case just can't compete.
It's looks fake. As in the apple logo cutout is a little bit off.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/DXkkmV6lcQLqBlLJ.huge
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arlor
What I would give for stereo and FRONT facing speakers. I know there are aesthetic issues, but I love the sound quality on the one x. Rear speakers that get muffled by your hand or lap or table or case just can't compete.
I agree and Disagree. It's give and take. I want the front-facing sound without the incredibly ugly aesthetics of it. But we can't have our cake and eat it too. I think Apple would rather you just wear headphones if you care about "quality" and you can have "good enough" if you just want to hear.
But that said- these speakers are on the bottom- like the mini. Currently, the speaker is on the back right of the iPad. I'm curious if this will be louder because there will be 2 speakers (albeit smaller speaker area).
That's the inside of the case, so the plastic piece is larger than the logo and may be affixed with adhesive, etc.
Not a cutout; the silver plate is already in place.
Dammit, I first saw the image wrong as was thinking in my head "Amazing! 4 speakers, one for each corner" then I looked close and was sad.
-QAMF
Quote:
Originally Posted by chabig
Stereo speakers are a waste in a small device because you can't get stereo separation with them so close to each other.
Not sure why people don't understand this (even more so on a phone). And then you also have the "which is left and which is right" issue (when using in landscape vs portrait). So you'd really at least 3 speakers so it could always be "stereo" in any orientation and even then, the sound quality and stereo effect would be quite suspect. If you want decent sound, use headphones.
I'd better stop. Rhymes are pressing from the depths to be heard. IGZOphilia strikes deep, into your mind it will creep . . .
I wish for a display expert to be posting here. I don't see much real info out there.
The funniest leaks are from the WSJ. The paper has been a joke since Rupert took over. The paper actually thinks its sources know more than other sources. What has become common for the paper is it waits for multiple leakers to present the same information then decides to write an article about the information.