Apple's next iPad will be substantially smaller than the current model analysts say. The Ipad 5 will still carry a GF2 touch panel although it will sport an A7X processor and other improvements over its predecessor.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, the device will be roughly 15 percent thinner and 25 percent lighter than the current full-size iPad. Kuo, who has a relatively strong track record in accurately predicting Apple's product plans, released a new research note outlining his expectations for the upcoming iPad 5. He expects mass production and shipments of the new iPad to ramp up in the August-September timeframe, Mac Rumors reports.
"We think the tablet will, at 7.5-8.0mm, be 15 percent thinner than iPad 4. The new device will likely be about 500 grams, or some 25 percent lighter than iPad 4, run on an A7X processor, and sport cameras with similar specs to the iPad 4's (front HD, rear 5MP). The casing shape and color (silver and black) and narrow bezel design will be similar to the iPad mini's," he writes.
His prediction of 7.5-8.0 mm thickness goes is in line with a previous report that the next Apple tablet will see a roughly 2 mm reduction from the current 9.5 mm thickness. According to Kuo, Apple will adopt iPad mini's GF2 touch technology to develop a thinner display for the new full-size iPad. In its attempts to bring in a smaller and thinner battery for the device, Apple is expected to feature efficient display and chip technologies in the next tablet that will further reduce its power consumption.
"We therefore think that iPad 5's battery capacity will be 25-30 percent smaller, at 8,500-9,000mAh, than iPad 4's, and the battery's thickness will be 15-20 percent smaller, at 7.5-8.0mm, and the number of cells will be reduced to two from three," Kuo writes.
Contrary to an earlier report about Apple shifting its A-series chip production to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Kuo says the Cupertino-tech giant will stick with Samsung for a new A7X chip that will take advantage of Samsung's 28-nanometer process node.