Previewed at WWDC, launching in the fall.
More Efficient LED Backlighting May Lead to Thinner, Lighter iPad 5
Improvements to the iPad's LED backlighting will allow Apple to create a thinner iPad 5, NPD DisplaySearch's Paul Semenza told CNET.
Semenza also pointed out that a shift to a film-based touch sensor might also serve to reduce bulk. The current iPad mini incorporates a DITO film touch panel sensor which contributes to its 7.2mm thickness. He was unsure whether Apple might consider a switch to different display technology, but some reports have suggested that Apple is investigating IGZO panels.
Mockup of the 5th generation iPad next to the iPad mini
DisplaySearch has extensive sources in the display supply chain, but a mixed track record when it comes to predictions. Before the launch of the fourth generation iPad DisplaySearch claimed that the tablet would launch with a thinner design, a prediction that ended up being incorrect after the iPad was released with the same form factor as the third generation iPad. The research firm did, however, accurately predict the in-cell display technology used in the iPhone 5.
Rumors of a thinner iPad 5 originated last year and were followed up with photos of an alleged rear shell of the device in January and case leaks in February. Photos of the front bezel of the iPad 5 surfaced yesterday, featuring a narrower iPad mini-style design.
"It's likely that part of the thinner/lighter design will be reducing the size of the LED backlight, partly by making the display more efficient and partly by using more efficient LEDs," said Paul Semenza, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch, in an e-mail to CNET.The Retina displays of the third and fourth generation iPads required a dual-LED backlight along with a bigger battery, which caused them to be thicker than the previous iPad 2.
Semenza also pointed out that a shift to a film-based touch sensor might also serve to reduce bulk. The current iPad mini incorporates a DITO film touch panel sensor which contributes to its 7.2mm thickness. He was unsure whether Apple might consider a switch to different display technology, but some reports have suggested that Apple is investigating IGZO panels.
DisplaySearch has extensive sources in the display supply chain, but a mixed track record when it comes to predictions. Before the launch of the fourth generation iPad DisplaySearch claimed that the tablet would launch with a thinner design, a prediction that ended up being incorrect after the iPad was released with the same form factor as the third generation iPad. The research firm did, however, accurately predict the in-cell display technology used in the iPhone 5.
Rumors of a thinner iPad 5 originated last year and were followed up with photos of an alleged rear shell of the device in January and case leaks in February. Photos of the front bezel of the iPad 5 surfaced yesterday, featuring a narrower iPad mini-style design.
Related Roundup: iPad
Tags: NPD DisplaySearch, Paul Semenza
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Neutral)
[ 83 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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70 months ago
This just in:
The next generation of iOS products will be similar to, but better than, the current generation.
You heard it here first, folks!
The next generation of iOS products will be similar to, but better than, the current generation.
You heard it here first, folks!
70 months ago
This crap is already thin enough to cut a bumper in half.
There is no need to make it any thinner.
In fact, can I have a thicker iMac with a blu-ray drive in it please?
No? Ok I will build a hackintosh.
There is no need to make it any thinner.
In fact, can I have a thicker iMac with a blu-ray drive in it please?
No? Ok I will build a hackintosh.
70 months ago
This just in:
The next generation of iOS products will be similar to, but better than, the current generation.
You heard it here first, folks!
70 months ago
The 9.7" iPad is definitely way too heavy.
When it falls onto your face when reading in bed it hurts.... iPad 5 needs to be much lighter than the iPad 2.
When it falls onto your face when reading in bed it hurts.... iPad 5 needs to be much lighter than the iPad 2.
70 months ago
This just in:
The next generation of iOS products will be similar to, but better than, the current generation.
You heard it here first, folks!
Why do you even visit an Apple rumors site then? Serious question.
70 months ago
Instead of making it even thinner, why not add some extra battery volume? My only real complaint about the iPad 4 is the battery dies very fast when playing games.
And while we're talking about the iPad, how about realizing it's now 2013 and they can stop charging 2008 prices for flash memory upgrades? When I can buy a 256 gig high-end SSD for under $200, there is no excuse for charging $200 to add 48 gig of flash to this thing.
And while we're talking about the iPad, how about realizing it's now 2013 and they can stop charging 2008 prices for flash memory upgrades? When I can buy a 256 gig high-end SSD for under $200, there is no excuse for charging $200 to add 48 gig of flash to this thing.
70 months ago
In fact, can I have a thicker iMac with a blu-ray drive in it please?
No? Ok I will build a hackintosh.
Yeah, and can I have an even thicker iMac so I can play my old VHS tapes in it?
No? Ok I will buy a VCR at the thrift store.
:)
70 months ago
Next iOS might have bootcamp.
Apple branded furniture! ...maybe.
iAd might be in next OS X.
Next MacBook might have a touch screen.
Next iPad might be lighter with a longer batter life.
Next iPhone might come in different colors and sizes.
I'm an industry analyst and I might be right 100% of the time all the time.
Apple branded furniture! ...maybe.
iAd might be in next OS X.
Next MacBook might have a touch screen.
Next iPad might be lighter with a longer batter life.
Next iPhone might come in different colors and sizes.
I'm an industry analyst and I might be right 100% of the time all the time.
70 months ago
I loved my original ipad, but Since switching to the ipad mini, I could never go back to the regular size. No matter how thin they make it. For me, the mini(even tho its not Retina) is the perfect size.
But they're both great. ;-)
But they're both great. ;-)
70 months ago
Real cutting edge technology!
:p
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:p
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I want thinner but bigger!
That's what she said.[ Read All Comments ]
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