Apple to Release Thinner Fifth-Generation iPad and Retina iPad Mini in Last Three Months of 2013

As parts leaks have suggested, Bloomberg reports that Apple will release a thinner full-sized iPad in the final three months of this year -- this would suggest that the iPad would be released at a separate media event from the one supposedly scheduled for September 10th when the next iPhone is expected to be released.

Bloomberg also says Apple will release a Retina-equipped iPad mini in the same time-frame, similar to previous reports.

macrumors-ipad5a

Mockup of fifth-generation iPad next to iPad mini

Apple Inc. is preparing to introduce a new version of the iPad with a thinner design, people familiar with the plans said, as the company works to stay atop the increasingly crowded tablet-computer market.

Apple also plans to introduce a new iPad mini, the first with a high-resolution screen, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the development is private. The new iPad models are set to be introduced in the last three months of the year, one of the people said.

The new full-sized iPad is expected to have a thinner screen bezel like the existing iPad mini, while the new mini is not expected to have any significant design changes.

Related Roundups: iPad, iPad mini
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
Apple Foldable Thumb

Foldable iPhone to Debut These Three Breakthrough Features

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition. The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
streaming black friday 2025

Black Friday Streaming Deals Include Big Savings on Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, and More

Monday November 24, 2025 8:03 am PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...

Top Rated Comments

tbrand7 Avatar
161 months ago
Thank you Bob. I knew you could figure out how to fit a Retina display into a mini! :)
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
benh911f Avatar
161 months ago
Really hoping the new Mini has Retina. Then I can sell off my 3rd-Gen iPad, (aka, The Bastard Child iPad) and get a Mini.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0029937 Avatar
161 months ago
My wallet is ready. Retina Mini=instant buy.

Coming from a 2, it's time.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xNYMetsx Avatar
161 months ago
I don't care, as long as the iPad Mini has Retina. IT'S ALL THAT MATTERS
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WilliamG Avatar
161 months ago
Thank you Bob. I knew you could figure out how to fit a Retina display into a mini! :)

Well, I know why I won't be able to fall asleep tonight.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0029937 Avatar
161 months ago
Is the Mini really that awesome? Wasnt it strange to go from 9,7 inches to 7,9? Thats the only thing that should stop me from buying the Mini.
Not strange at all. It's actually the opposite. It's strange to go to a full size iPad now after using a Mini. Why? Because the Mini is just such a joy to hold in my opinion. It feels good in the hand and it's especially amazing for longer periods of using it. To me it's that sweet spot of the perfect size. Kind of like how I assume most people think 13" is the perfect Macbook size, yes some people want 11 or 15 but 13 I think is the most popular for a reason, it's the sweet spot.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)