Next-generation iPad makes another video appearance, 'confirms' iPad mini-like form factor

A number of rumours have suggested that the next iPad (fifth-generation), will have a thinner body design and sport a sleeker form factor. In line with all of these rumours, a new video posted by Unbox Theory, compares the alleged back and front panels of the new iPad with that of the current-generation iPad, clearly showing how the fifth-generation iPad would be much narrower and feature a form factor similar to that of the iPad mini.
The front panel of the new iPad is much narrower and looks more like the iPad mini but the screen size is the same. It's just the bezel that has been trimmed from both the ends. Although, there's minor difference in the new iPad's thickness (the new iPad is thinner than the current generation iPad), the curves are very different and round off closer to the edge.



The video reveals that the new iPad will have separate up and down volume buttons instead of one unified volume rocker key which is present on the fourth-generation iPad.

The fifth-generation iPad will also feature upgraded speaker grills at the bottom edge taking cues from the iPad mini. The back of the iPad features a Silver logo and no iPad branding.

In terms of dimensions, the video suggests that the new iPad will be 17cm wide, which is about 1.5cm less than the fourth-generation iPad's width.

The image is similar to the first purported image of the new iPad that appeared in June, except that it featured a Black coloured pane.

A number of rumours including a report by the credible Wall Street Journal, have suggested that Apple is modelling its next-generation iPad on the iPad mini in terms of design and form factor. The WSJ report suggested that the new iPad will feature the same touch-panel technology that's seen in the iPad mini, making it thin and light, and adds that Apple intends to use the film-based touch panel used in the iPad mini instead of the glass-based one that is sported by the full-sized iPad.

Recently, a video showing the front and back panel of the fifth-generation iPad assembled together, had appeared online showing a design different from the current generation iPad. Prior to that pictures of alleged back panels of the next-generation iPad and iPad mini had also appeared online on a website. The purported iPad rear casing was slightly smaller than the casing of the current generation iPad and the site mentioned that the distance between the border and screen of the iPad 5 was much shorter than the previous iPads, indicating that the new iPad would look similar to the iPad mini with smaller bezels. The casing had the Apple logo carved out and not just printed on it, in the images.