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According to a new report from the Wall Street Journal, the next generation iPad will be just like its younger brother – Thinner, lighter, and with the same touch screen technology as the iPad mini. We’ve heard these rumors before, but it somehow seems more legitimate when it comes from WSJ
Unnamed Asian suppliers with “knowledge of the matter” told WSJ that Apple is using the same film-based touch panel in the production of the iPad that is currently being used in the iPad mini. The lighter, thinner material will shave a few points off of the full-sized tablet’s specs.
Switching from the older glass-based touch screen technology could have a major effect on the industry. Apple is a leader in the tablet industry and other manufacturers could follow suit if the switch proves to be successful. Film-based panels have improved greatly in recent years and don’t seem to be much of an issue for the iPad mini.
In addition to using the same film-based touch screen technology, it is rumored that Apple has designed the next generation of iPad to look much like it’s smaller companion. The bezel will be thinner, the shape will be less rounded, and the whole package will be lighter due to a few changes to the lighting technology.
There is no official information as to when, or even if, Apple will launch a fifth-generation ipad this year. Presumably, it will be one of the company’s products that was mentioned in this quarter’s earnings call as coming out this fall.
This is the longest that Apple has gone without releasing a new iPad since it debuted in 2010. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait much longer.
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