Apple to unveil iPad 5, iPad mini 2 in April, says report
- — 06 March, 2013 08:10
Apple could be planning to launch its iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 as soon as April, according to a new report.
In a report published today, iMore's Rene Ritchie claims that "sources familiar with the plans" expect Apple's new iPad models to arrive as early as April.
"An April-ish launch is getting serious consideration for the next generation iPads," he writes, adding that the recent leaks of iPad 5 casings indicate that the new tablet could indeed be imminent. He does note, however, that Retina iPad mini 2 leaks have been scarce, and that it doesn't seem likely that such device to launch next month.
SEE: New iPad 5 release date, rumours and leaked images
AND: iPad mini 2 release date, rumours and images
These rumours should be taken with a pinch of salt, though, as the publication itself says that it is "really not sure what to make" of them.
The sources also claimed that Apple's next iPhone will arrive this summer, possibly in August. This time frame differs from a report earlier today from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claimed Apple is likely to unveil its new iPhone in June.
In-keeping with Kuo's expectations, however, iMore's source says that the next iPhone, dubbed iPhone 5S or iPhone 6, has the same design as the iPhone 5 but with an improved camera and a more advanced processor.
Despite the slightly shady nature of iMore's report, it's interesting to consider that an 'April-ish' product announcement could help Apple detract some attention away from Samsung's 14 March event, which is expected to see the unveiling of the Galaxy S4 smartphone.
Plus, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek and Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster have both predicted a March/April Apple event. A separate report today suggests Apple could be planning to launch a new Mac Pro in April.
Apple unveiled both its iPad 2 and iPad 3 in March, but the iPad 4 arrived in October last year, deviating from the traditional product cycle. Apple's October media event, which also saw the launch of the iPad mini, was the last media event hosted by the company.
See also:
Apple is experiencing a 'lull in innovation' needs a 'creative leap', Sculley
iPad mini 2's Retina display could add 30 % to component costs - report
