Now that the iPhone 5S/5c have been launched Apple fans are waiting for the iPad 5 and iPad 2 mini. Here's a round-up of the latest specs, speculations and release date rumors.
We can't be sure yet, if the iPad 5 or mini 2 will be delayed by FCC approval, because the FCC is closed by the government shut down. Some contend that they may have been secretly approved, however, the FCC website is shut down and not up to date. However, the shut down of government offices does not bother the rumor mill or the media. There are reports that iPad 5 will be released in the 4th quarter of 2013 and have exceptional sales. Both the iPad mini 2 and iPad 5 are expected to come in iPhone 5S colors, gold silver or slate gray on an aluminum bodies.
iPad mini 2 TOO Much Retina to Handle
According to Reuters Apple won't be able to rollout the iPad mini 2 with a retina screen (2048x1536) because suppliers can't supply the retina displays which were delayed due to Apple's strict low-power consumption guidelines. Suppliers include LG, Samsung and Sharp. Sources also suggest only 8GB of storage in order to reduce the price of the iPad mini, which is much more expensive than other 7" competitors with high resolutions screens such as the Nexus 7 or Kind Fire HD..
Apple may introduce the new iPad mini with a limited supply or wait until next year.
iPad 5 Release Dates & Details
The latest leaks suggest that both the iPad 5 and mini 2 will have 8MP cameras with similar specs as the iPhone 5S along with a thinner bezels, lighter weight, thinner and iOS 7.
Apple still holds the market in the premium space. The iPad 5 will sell 10 million units in the fourth quarter compared with about 2 million for the iPad Mini 2, according to KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The iPad 5 is also expected to have an A7 processor.
Some believe that the iPad 5 will be announced around October 15 and launched thereafter which haappened last year. Pricing is expected to be similar to current iPad pricing starting at $499 for the iPad 5 16GB with $100 increases per doubling of storage. LTE models should add about $30 on to each price.
Other possible surprises could be fingerprint scanners in the home button and motion sensors.