iPad 5 Release Date Rumors: Apple 'Pressured' to Maintain Tablet Market Lead; iPad Mini with Retina Display Coming in March?

The iPad 4 was released last about three months ago, but talks of the next iPad have already come.

An analyst has predicted the next iPad, or the iPad 5, could see a release date in early 2013. In addition, the new iPad could be lighter and thinner compared to the current 1.44-lbs iPad 4, and sport a similar design to the iPad mini. 

According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has commented on previous Apple devices such as the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display, Apple TV, and the iPhone, added that Apple executives are feeling pressured to launch a 9.7-inch iPad 5 in order to maintain its lead in the tablet market.

"Though the iPad mini is expected to be successful, we think launching the lighter, thinner 9.7-inch iPad as quickly as possible matters more for Apple strategically," stated Kuo.

Apple-centric website iLounge's Jeremy Horwitz noted, "This iPad 5 design is so much smaller that a full internal redesign - complete with a smaller, less power-hungry sequel to the A6X - can be safely assumed," he said. "It wouldn't be a surprise to see the new iPad remain roughly on par with the fourth-generation model in processing capabilities, with the improved screen, dramatically lower size, and reduced weight becoming the key selling points."

The early 2013 release date the KGI Securities analyst stated is slightly different compared to the report Digitimes published. DigiTimes reported the iPad 5 would be released "around the middle of 2013." In addition, Japanese site Macotakara said the iPad 5 release date is set for March, this year.

Meanwhile, the iPad Mini's successor could be released as early as next month. The iPad Mini, according to PC-Tablet, could debut with the Retina Display and serve as a stepping-stone to the next regular iPad launch in October 2013.

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