Hours after a report claiming that the production of next-generation Apple iPad will begin in July-August 2013, purported images of iPad 5 are starting to emerge.
The leaked images, published by Nowhereelse.fr, appear to be the bezel of the new full-sized iPad 5. The first glimpse at the photographs reveal narrower edges than current models suggesting that the next Apple tablet could be a smaller device with the same screen size.
As previously speculated, the new model has taken major design cues from the iPad mini and iPhone 5 offering more chamfering than the previous models.
Nowhereelese has a history of leaks especially with the iPhone 5 and iPad mini dock Lightning dock connector prior to its launch. However, these images could be from an iPad clone given the fact that the last leak is now four months old.
As 9to5mac notes, Apple has improved the iOS so that accidental screen actions on the sides of iPads do not register as actions/gestures which facilitate these narrower bezels.
Back in late Jan, a couple of unverified image from a purported China-based iPad accessories maker had been leaked showing what appears to be the back plate for the next iPad.
Meanwhile, quashing earlier speculations about a possible iPad 5 launch as early as in April, a recent report from the hit-or-miss Taiwanese publication DigiTimes reveals that the volume production of the tablet will begin only in July-August 2013. "Volume production of the fifth-generation 9.7-inch iPad will kick off in July-August 2013, according to sources with Taiwan-based supply chain makers. Yield rates for key components, especially touch panels, will be a major concern for smooth production," the report says.
