This Is Probably What The iPad 5 Will Look Like
You are looking at a mockup of what the iPad 5 (right) will almost certainly look like. Side-by-side with the existing iPad (left), it’s slightly smaller with thinner bezels on the sides, and basically looks like a 10″ version of the iPad Mini.
What’s the basis of this speculation? Outside of the obvious design trend Apple is moving in, MacRumors had these mockups commissioned based on the most recent reliable rumors and part leaks, with the renderings taking queues from the similarly designed slate aluminum enclosures found on iPad Mini and iPhone 5. The result is the beautiful imaginary device seen in the pictures, and though they’re just renderings for now, it’s probable the shipped next-gen iPad will look more or less identical.
Fans of the matte aluminum surfaces gracing other new iOS devices should be pleased with the appearance, and the next iPad will almost certainly have the same dramatic weight loss and thinness of both the Mini and redesigned iPhone.
Renderings are fun to look at but it’s very important to remember these are mockups based on rumors, and nothing is certain until Apple announces such a device, which is likely to be in the fall. Should that happen, the iOS family lineup might look something like this:
Love the thin bezel and form factor of ipad Mini. It is modern and futuristic. No other tablet maker has this. When kept next to each other, Ipad 3 or 4 looks pretty dated. Thick bezels look antiquated and waste of screen real estate. Even TVs have migrated to sleek bezels.
For those of us who are professional photographers, using an iPad as our portable portfolio, changing to an uneven sized bezel will be a BAD thing. Aesthetically, it doesn’t look as good and will not frame images as well as the existing bezel. (Think of pics in frames on walls!)
I sincerely hope this rumour turns out to be codswallop…
I think the renderings are taking ‘cues’ rather than ‘queues’, Matt.
Sorry to be pedantic and so on and so forth…
The thinner bezel isn’t always a good thing if it limits the types of cases that will protect the screen but still not block it.
Apple is moving in the wrong direction if they shrink the screen size on the iPad 5. We want 10.1 inch screen with true HD, thin/light form factor plus longer lasting batteries.
The screen size will stay as 9.7″ (current size) but the border around the screen looks to be shrinking.
I like the Mini’s weight and size personally, but until the hardware catches up it’s not worth buying. The full sized iPad is just so much nicer until then.
I hope the smaller side bezels does not happen. I use them constantly for my thumbs to keep them off the screen and I never use the iPad in horizontal view.