iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 Release Date Rumors: April Launch For Both Tablets?

March 2012 featured the debut of the iPad 3, seven months later the world met the iPad mini and iPad 4, but the latest report shows the next iPad series could be announced next month.

According to a source, iMore is reporting the next generation of the iPads could make their debut in April. Although nothing has been written in stone in terms of specs, a "big redesign" is likely for the iPad 5 while the iPad mini 2 will feature Retina Display.

"Apple is not going to release iPads that costs more or don't get as good battery life as the current models," reported iMore's Rene Ritchie. "So, if the next iPad mini does end up getting slated for April, it could be a spec bump, or have something other than Retina as a differentiator. Hopefully we'll know more soon."

The report of the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2's likely April debut comes after analysts pitched in their reports on what Apple is planning.

"Firstly, for the improvement on product design itself, the next generation of iPad will apply the thin GF2 touch module of the same level as iPad mini and use the narrow bezel panel design to solve the issue of larger volume, thickness, and weight that have been criticized to gain a better balance for consumers in mobility and visual experiences," said TrendForce analyst Eric Chiou.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster stated he believes Apple could update the full-sized iPad to a similar body style to the iPad mini.

"Additionally, we believe that the iPad Mini could get a Retina display, although that may happen later in the year given the supply constraints Apple faced on the Mini in the December quarter," Munster added.

As Latinos Post reported, a rear case shell for the iPad mini 2 was allegedly recently leaked.

The Chinese Internet forum on WeiPhone.com featured the back outer shell, which included a spot for the rear-facing camera, speakers, and dock connector. The cover appeared slightly thicker compared to the current iPad mini, which could go back to the Retina Display rumors.

According to David Hsieh of DisplaySearch, Apple plans to sell 55 million units of the iPad mini and 33 million units of the 9.7-inch iPads for 2013.

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