Fifth-generation Apple iPad expected to launch in March, stealing its looks from the Apple iPad mini

Japan's MacOtakara is reporting that the fifth-generation of the Apple iPad is going to be released in March, just five months after the launch of the fourth-generation model. According to the story, the tablet will be getting its design cues from the Apple iPad mini. While dimensions were not mentioned, the new model is supposedly lighter and thinner than the current full-sized tablet.

While the trend is toward thinner and smaller devices, the third and fourth-generation Apple iPad models were actually thicker than the original Apple iPad slates as the Cupertino based firm had to add the technology that fuels the Retina display. But if this report is legit, and we need to remain skeptical here, Apple has developed a way to reduce the size of the technology that powers the Retina display on the 9.7 inch screen.

Besides the fifth-generation iPad, Apple is supposed to be getting the second-generation of the Apple iPad mini ready. One persistent complaint about the Apple iPad mini is that the screen's resolution is too low when compared with the newer full-sized models of the iPad. The 162ppi pixel density on the iPad mini is over 100ppi less than the 264ppi on the third and fourth-generation iPads. So you can expect better resolution on the screen of the next 7.9 inch model. Also, the faster A6X processor is expected to be powering up the next Apple iPad mini.

Apple seems to have cut its product cycle in half from 1 year to about 6 months. How will Apple fans respond to Cupertino pushing out a new model twice a year? In a way, it makes sense since Apple has to compete against a number of Android manufacturers who churn out new, updated products constantly.

source: MacOtakara (Translated) via AppleInsider