Apple is widely expected to introduce a new iPad model later this year, and as is usually the case with new Apple products, the rumor mill has been busy lately trying to predict exactly what this new tablet will be like. The latest report comes from Chinese site Apple.pro, which has shared a photo showing an alleged front panel and digitizer assembly for the upcoming fifth generation iPad.
The part shown in the leaked image features bezels that are slimmer than those found on the current iPad and bear a close resemblance to the bezels of the iPad mini. This part seems to line up with a previously-leaked front panel that was also said to belong to the fifth generation iPad, as well as rumors from earlier this year that claimed that the next iPad will feature a new design that's similar to Apple's iPad mini.
In addition to sporting narrower bezels, the fifth generation iPad is rumored to be coming with chamfered edges like those found on the iPad mini and iPhone 5, as well as a thinner overall design. While still very much a rumor at this point, it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see the next iPad turn out like these reports claim that it will. After all, it would make sense for Apple to want to offer a similar look and feel across all of its iOS products, and I'm sure that the company wouldn't mind slimming down its slate a bit as well. What do you think of the fifth generation iPad rumors? Would you be interested in a full-sized iPad with a design that's similar to the iPad mini?
UPDATE: Sorry folks, but just as soon as the post went live, French site nowhereelse.fr discovered that this image is actually of an iPad mini front panel and that it originated from a Chinese parts supplier's website. Even though this turned out to be an iPad mini part, the rumor mill still expects the fifth generation iPad to sport a look that closely resembles the current iPad mini. Does that sound like a product that you'd be interested in?
Via MacRumors, Apple.pro, Photobucket, nowhereelse.fr, ChinaHCS
