The rumor mill has suggested that the next full-size iPad will take after its smaller iPad mini sibling by adopting a similar, narrow-bezeled design. That may not the only thing that the iPad 5 will borrow from the mini, though, as a new report claims that the next iPad will also use a similar piece of touchscreen technology.
Sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal say that Apple's next iPad will utilize a touch-panel that's similar to the one found on the iPad mini that will help to make the full-size iOS tablet thinner and lighter. While the current iPad uses a glass-based touch panel, an iSuppli teardown report of the iPad mini has shown that the smaller device uses a film-based touch panel to help keep its weight and thickness down.
The design of the iPad has remained relatively unchanged for the past several years, but multiple leaks have shown that the fifth-gen model will undergo the biggest makeover of any iPad yet. It appears as though Apple is taking what it's learned from the iPad mini and applying that knowledge to the iPad 5 to make it thinner and lighter, and also to bring a more unified look to its product lineup. While still a rumor at this point, it wouldn't be a huge shock to see the next iPad adopt the iPad mini's film-based touch panel, as portability is likely an important feature for many consumers shopping for a tablet. Do you carry your tablet with you while you're out and about?
