Rumor: More photos of alleged 'iPad 5' digitizer surface, show thinner bezels

Posted:
in General Discussion edited January 2014
As the end of an expected iPad refresh cycle draws near, the steady stream of rumors and "leaked parts" photos of Apple's next-generation device grows, with the latest images claiming to show a black version of the 9.7-inch tablet's digitizer.

iPad 5 Panel


Friday's supposed "iPad 5" photos come from Australian repair company Macfixit (via MacRumors), which posted the part as for sale on its website. The component is currently showing a "sold out" status.

The company's description of the part reads:
So it looks like we've got a preview of the replacement screen for the iPad 5 which is not even out yet!
The purported iPad front panel appears to be identical to a part showcased in a video released last week. Both "leaked" components boast thin side bezels akin to the design of Apple's current iPad mini.

Friday's images also include a close-up of the part's flex cables, which look to be shorter compared to the current fourth-generation iPad. Although mere speculation, the redesign could suggest Apple has rethought the internal component layout of the tablet in an effort to make the device thinner.

iPad 5 Panel


Apple is widely expected to debut a refreshed full-size iPad this fall with a design more in line with the iPad mini's curved edges and sleek profile. While it is unknown when Apple plans to release the next iPad, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a good track record in predicting Apple's product launches, expects the 9.7-inch iPad to make its debut in the third quarter of 2013.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 31
    Omg thinner bezel, I didn't expect that... /s
  • Reply 2 of 31
    I still think the bezels (for both current and supposed 'leaked' models) are still too thick. I know it's only been 3 years, but the bezels all seem so '2010'.
  • Reply 3 of 31
    poksipoksi Posts: 482member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mrrodriguez View Post



    Omg thinner bezel, I didn't expect that... /s


     


    Yeah, it killed my sleep for next few weeks, too....

  • Reply 4 of 31
    tallest skiltallest skil Posts: 43,388member
    Omg thinner bezel, I didn't expect that… /s

    Why would you? This is making it dangerously close to unusably small.
  • Reply 5 of 31

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tallest Skil View Post





    Why would you? This is making it dangerously close to unusably small.


    I don't hear anyone complaining about the iPad mini being unusably small.

  • Reply 6 of 31
    dunksdunks Posts: 1,254member

    This isn't an iPad it's the new "iPhone +" with 10 inch display. Take that Samsomething Galaxy 4S! image


     


    Not quite iPad mini narrowness but an improved design without necessitating my thumbs futzing the screen every two seconds.

  • Reply 7 of 31

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tallest Skil View Post





    Why would you? This is making it dangerously close to unusably small.


     


    Just about right, I'd say. No smaller though please. You're right about that.


     


    It looks like the top and bottom bezels are narrower than my older iPad too.


     


    I wonder how much weight they are shaving off by reducing the overall dimensions? I'm sure they've left enough room in there to keep the battery big enough for 10 hours. I would be very surprised if they didn't. If they can get the weight a lot closer to one pound, that'll be a killer device... 

  • Reply 8 of 31
    tallest skiltallest skil Posts: 43,388member
    I don't hear anyone complaining about the iPad mini being unusably small.

    … Wait, really? But that's not the point I'm making.

    The bezel! The bezel! The iPad mini's is a different beast, as is the iPhone's. The proper iPad needs a thumbable bezel!
  • Reply 9 of 31


    I'm not sure why Apple isn't headed in this direction. Thinner bezels are obviously possible. Also, why are they still touting the "Retina Display" as an advantage, when it's over 3 years old, and no longer a superior display?  image


     

  • Reply 10 of 31

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Digital_Guy View Post


    I'm not sure why Apple isn't headed in this direction. Thinner bezels are obviously possible. Also, why are they still touting the "Retina Display" as an advantage, when it's over 3 years old, and no longer a superior display?  image


     



    Actually, the Retina Display in the iPad 4 is still considered the highest quality display of any tablet, period. And I'm not referring just to ppi (pixels per inch).  I am talking about overall contrast, sharpness, and color reproduction, in addition to ppi.  Even the Samsung GS4, with its 440ppi screen is not as color accurate as the iPad 4. Apple has a hit a home-run with this screen.

  • Reply 11 of 31
    jason98jason98 Posts: 768member
    I still think the bezels (for both current and supposed 'leaked' models) are still too thick. I know it's only been 3 years, but the bezels all seem so '2010'.

    Exactly my thoughts. I've been patiently waiting for physical bezels and home button removed and replaced with a soft virtual bezel. Not gonna happen especially if the fingerprint sensor integrated with the home button (on iPhone first then ipad) and not with the multi touch screen. :(
  • Reply 12 of 31


    Does the 'digitizer' refer to the capacitive touch screen of the iPad, or is Apple actually putting something like a Wacom Digitizer on the next iPad?


     


    I just bought the 4th Gen. iPad this Wednesday and it is a joy to use after using the mini for many months. But if the next iPad has a Wacom Digitizer, then I'll be all over it.


     


    Actually, I'll be all over it either way. It is just that, if it had a Digitizer, I'd buy it immediately. If it didn't, I'd probably wait a little longer.

  • Reply 13 of 31
    Nice info but I not interest in the iPad5 anymore. It just too, too big for my needs. iPad Mini Retina is the one that I really want!
  • Reply 14 of 31
    dunks wrote: »
    This isn't an iPad it's the new "iPhone +" with 10 inch display. Take that Samsomething Galaxy 4S! <img alt="lol.gif" id="user_yui_3_10_0_1_1376025804073_858" src="http://forums-files.appleinsider.com/images/smilies//lol.gif" style="line-height:1.231;" name="user_yui_3_10_0_1_1376025804073_858">

     
    Not quite iPad mini narrowness but an improved design without necessitating my thumbs futzing the screen every two seconds.

    You joke about that, but Samsung would do something like that. There is no upper limit on screen gigantism, or apologists ready to troll about it.
  • Reply 15 of 31
    asciiascii Posts: 5,936member


    Why are they calling it the screen/digitizer? Can you press your thumb anywhere on the screen for recognition? 

  • Reply 16 of 31
    philboogiephilboogie Posts: 7,675member
    dunks wrote: »
    This isn't an iPad it's the new "iPhone +" with 10 inch display. Take that Samsomething Galaxy 4S! <img alt="lol.gif" id="user_yui_3_10_0_1_1376025804073_858" src="http://forums-files.appleinsider.com/images/smilies//lol.gif" style="line-height:1.231;" name="user_yui_3_10_0_1_1376025804073_858">

     
    Not quite iPad mini narrowness but an improved design without necessitating my thumbs futzing the screen every two seconds.

    1000
  • Reply 17 of 31
    tribalogicaltribalogical Posts: 1,182member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by PhilBoogie View Post







     


    I need that!!

  • Reply 18 of 31
    virtuavirtua Posts: 209member
    I need that!!

    Cue Dom Jolly -"HELLO?!"
  • Reply 19 of 31
    virtuavirtua Posts: 209member
    Na
    Why would you? This is making it dangerously close to unusably small.
    .

    Na.....I'm looking forward to a lighter ipad with thinner bezel...but then I do have my mothers hands...lol ;p
  • Reply 20 of 31

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by PhilBoogie View Post







     


     


    I'd use it, even if it is only to slap the snot out of anyone holding a phablet to his/ her ear!

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