What To Expect From The Fifth Generation iPad’s Unveiling
We are less than 24 hours away from Apple’s upcoming iPad event where the Cupertino based company will debut two new iPad models, the fifth generation iPad and the second generation iPad mini.
The main 9.7 iPad models have kept the same design introduced by the iPad 2 in March 2011. However, after two and a half years Apple is ready to give the main iPad a well deserved redesign, that is inspired by the iPad mini’s design. But what are the specs and features of the iPad 5? We have been following all reports and rumors about the two new iPad models and based on them we can estimated what Apple has in store for us later today. In this article we will tell you about the five biggest features that we expect from the fifth generation iPad; the unveiling will be today and the expected release date is going to be on November 1st.
Thinner, Lighter Form Factor
It seems that Apple intends to make the main iPad look and feel exactly like the recent iPad mini. That is why the Cupertino based giant will launch the fifth generation iPad with the exact thickness, side bezels and symmetrical speaker grilles as the iPad mini. The iPad 5 will also feature a similar aluminum body and a less tapered back (which will improve grip). We expect this redesign to make the iPad 5 lighter than the fourth generation iPad (which weighs 1.46 pounds) and closer to the iPad mini (which weighs 0.69 pounds). While we don’t expect the iPad 5 to be as light as the iPad mini we expect it to weigh somewhere between the iPad 4 and the iPad mini, so around 1.08 pounds (or 490 grams).
Better Hardware
The fourth generation iPad is powered by a dual core A6X System on Chip and a quad core GPU. The iPad 5 is rumored to use the 64 bit A7 System on Chip that is powering the recently released iPhone 5S. There is also the possibility of a variant of the A7 SoC, the A7X, that will offer the same performance as the A7 System on Chip, but will be optimized for the iPad 5. In case the fifth generation iPad will be powered by the A7 or the A7 SoC, than it may also include the M7 motion coprocessor found in the iPhone 5S and a fingerprint sensor.
Speaking of a fingerprint sensor, if the iPad 5 will be powered by the A7 or the A7X System on Chip, then there ar reasons to believe it will also come with a fingerprint sensor, as the A7 SoC was designed with Touch ID in mind. The A7 SoC safely stores fingerprint information in a special region on the chip, that only communicates with other parts of the chip by offering a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response, so fingerprint information is impossible to be accessed by anyone. As we said, if the iPad 5 will be powered by the A7 or the A7X SoC there is a good chance that it will also be equipped with a fingerprint sensor.
Upgraded Cameras
While the majority of iPad users would rather use a smartphone as a camera instead of their tablet, the iPad is due for an upgrade in the camera sensor department. The current iPad 4 was released with a 1.2 MP camera FaceTime High Definition camera capable of shooting videos at a 720p High Definition resolution; it was also released with a 5 MP rear camera capable of shooting videos in Full High Definition resolution. Apple will likely upgrade both the front and rear cameras. If we are to believe the rumors, the fifth generation iPad will be released with an 8 MP camera sensor and also an improved FaceTime HD 2 MP camera capable of shooting videos in Full High Definition resolution.
New Color Variants
The fourth generation iPad and the first generation iPad mini, are only available in black and white versions. The iPad 5 is rumored to be released with at least one additional color variant, as some recent leaked images from Sonny Dickson showed a space grey and “typical silver” iPad 5. There were also rumors about the iPad 5 being available in gold, especially since the color was a smashing success for the iPhone 5S. Other rumors claim that Apple will keep the gold color variant exclusive to the iPad mini; then again, the company could release both the iPad 5 and the second generation iPad with a gold color variant.
Redesigned Smart Cover
As we recently reported, Apple’s invitations for today’s event may include a clue about an improved Smart Cover for the iPad 5, given the choice of words: “We still have a lot to cover”. And if the fifth generation iPad will be released with a new form factor, Apple will have to improve the iPad 5′s Smart Cover anyway. It is possible that, in a desire to make the iPad line more work efficient, Apple will not add more buttons or functions, and instead opt to redesign the tablet’s Smart Cover for things such as more viewing angles. It is also possible that this time the cover could include a keyboard, that will be very helpful to consumers using the iPad for productivity purposes.
For now only third parties, such as Logitech, develop iPad friendly keyboards (there is the Ultrathin Keyboard for iPad, which is probably the best iPad keyboard on the market). A redesigned Smart Cover would be very important, especially if Apple will be able to make an iPad Smart Cover that is both useful for typing and protective – that will essentially transform the iPad into a low price laptop, starting at only $499. Such a Smart Cover could make the iPad 5 the ideal device for games, web surfing and work. We said it before and we will say it again: an iPad 5 with the an improved Smart Cover could mark the beginning of the end for the laptop market as we know it. But it’s better to wait and see what happens later today.
