Rumor: Video shows partially assembled next-gen iPad with translucent Apple logo
A video posted to the Web early Saturday allegedly shows a partially assembled next-generation iPad, with a redesigned rear shell attached to a front cover panel boasting bezels substantially thinner than current models of Apple's tablet.
The short clip was uploaded to Japanese Apple blog Mac Otakara's YouTube channel (via nowhereelse.fr.), though it is unclear where the publication obtained the footage. As such, the authenticity of the content cannot be verified and is offered for purposes of discussion.
As seen above, the 30-second video appears to show a partially assembled 9.7-inch iPad with design cues taken from the existing iPad mini, including rounded corners, thinner bezels and a rear-facing microphone. For reference, the purported next-gen tablet is sitting between current-generation models of the iPad and iPad mini.
Noticeably absent are the tablet's internals, including basic circuitry like a home button. However, because the assembly is missing a display, the black front panel stands out in sharp relief against the assumedly aluminum rear shell, granting a look at how thin the side bezels are compared to a current iPad.
Also seen through the front glass is the Apple logo, which is revealed to be a translucent white color when viewed from the back, much like Apple's MacBook lineup. By contrast, current iPads feature an opaque black plastic insert that acts as a window for radio signals.
While unlikely, the design could allow for an illuminated logo lit by the LCD panel's LED backlighting system. Such a feature would be difficult to implement, however, as adhesive is used to secure the tablet's large battery pack to the interior shell wall, a design that covers the Apple logo in both the fourth-generation iPad and iPad mini. In theory, a light pipe or some other mode of light transport could supply adequate illumination, but the added build and parts costs may be prohibitive.
Although not much can be gleaned from the short clip in the way of new information, it does offer one of the first looks at what Apple's rumored fifth-generation iPad may look like.
Apple is widely expected to launch a refreshed full-size iPad later this year, with rumors pointing to a revamped design more in line with the iPad mini's slim, curved body.
As an anticipated fall debut quickly approaches, the number of parts "leaks" is quickly growing. Most recently, a photo released on Thursday showcased a rear case similar to the component in Friday's video. That part was said to have a silver Apple logo, but the report failed to show a clear shot of the mark.
The short clip was uploaded to Japanese Apple blog Mac Otakara's YouTube channel (via nowhereelse.fr.), though it is unclear where the publication obtained the footage. As such, the authenticity of the content cannot be verified and is offered for purposes of discussion.
As seen above, the 30-second video appears to show a partially assembled 9.7-inch iPad with design cues taken from the existing iPad mini, including rounded corners, thinner bezels and a rear-facing microphone. For reference, the purported next-gen tablet is sitting between current-generation models of the iPad and iPad mini.
Noticeably absent are the tablet's internals, including basic circuitry like a home button. However, because the assembly is missing a display, the black front panel stands out in sharp relief against the assumedly aluminum rear shell, granting a look at how thin the side bezels are compared to a current iPad.
Also seen through the front glass is the Apple logo, which is revealed to be a translucent white color when viewed from the back, much like Apple's MacBook lineup. By contrast, current iPads feature an opaque black plastic insert that acts as a window for radio signals.
While unlikely, the design could allow for an illuminated logo lit by the LCD panel's LED backlighting system. Such a feature would be difficult to implement, however, as adhesive is used to secure the tablet's large battery pack to the interior shell wall, a design that covers the Apple logo in both the fourth-generation iPad and iPad mini. In theory, a light pipe or some other mode of light transport could supply adequate illumination, but the added build and parts costs may be prohibitive.
Although not much can be gleaned from the short clip in the way of new information, it does offer one of the first looks at what Apple's rumored fifth-generation iPad may look like.
Apple is widely expected to launch a refreshed full-size iPad later this year, with rumors pointing to a revamped design more in line with the iPad mini's slim, curved body.
As an anticipated fall debut quickly approaches, the number of parts "leaks" is quickly growing. Most recently, a photo released on Thursday showcased a rear case similar to the component in Friday's video. That part was said to have a silver Apple logo, but the report failed to show a clear shot of the mark.
Comments
Bye bye 4th Gen iPad.
The lit-up logo is very noticeable on Apple laptops, in the movies or in real life. If this is real, and they are doing it on the iPad now, it makes sense, from the point of view of getting attention to the brand.
You have been highly critical of every Apple move here, yet you accept this unverifiable video as gospel? I find this weirdly inconsistent.
I hope that apple doubles the ram and uses two gigs. I use photoshop touch often and would like to be able to use my full resolution photos at 6000x4000.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marvin
That'll be cool if they get the Apple to light up like they do on the laptops. I think it would be neat if they could use it as a camera flash too if there's a way to make it bright enough as the iPad doesn't have one.
Unfortunately, the logo is too far away from the camera to be useful as a flash. I doubt that it'll light up like the MacBooks; to me it looks like they just don't have the complete insert to fill the gap.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
You have been highly critical of every Apple move here, yet you accept this unverifiable video as gospel? I find this weirdly inconsistent.
All the leaks I have seen coming from those guys have been true so far. I remember them putting iPhone 5 and ipad mini leaks ahead of launches.
Nice and subtle, but still noticeable. We got a worthy update last time. :no:
You think the 4 was a worthy update to the 3? All you got was a slightly faster processor and a lightning port. To me that was a refresh.
It was one of my favourite features of my first iBook and it still looks amazing.
I don't like the idea, personally. It's an annoyance. On the notebooks, it's fine.
… All refreshes are updates. "All you got"; listen to yourself. :no: It's the same we get with any other update!
Oh, cameras. Forgot those.
I'm in that need all three: a laptop; iPad; and an iPhone by October... decisions, decisions.
Also a biometric scan on the home button I won't mind having...
Well, I have an iPad 3, so I've been waiting for this for a while. I will definitely be upgrading.
I too think it would be cool if the logo were lit up. I guess we'll have to wait and see.