The next iPad from Apple is expected to get a redesign, bringing its form factor more in line with the iPad mini's, and a new NPD DisplaySearch report states that Apple is revamping the LED backlight in order to shave precious millimeters off the tablet's thickness.
"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 NPD DisplaySearch analyst Paul Semenza in an e-mail to CNET.
Semenza added "The other significant change that we feel is likely is a shift to a film-based touch sensor."
The analyst, however, was unsure if Apple would be moving away from IGZO display technology.
Reports and rumors about the iPad 5 have been steadily trickling out as most market watchers expect Apple to unveil its 2013 lineup near the beginning of summer. An alleged leaked image of the front plate shows the bezel to be narrower - right in line with the iPad mini's design. Apple is expected to begin production of the tablet sometime in July or August, and the company has already reportedly cut ties with Samsung as the two companies are embroiled in a legal fiasco.
The iPad 5 should debut with Apple's iOS 7, which is currently being developed to launch on upcoming devices like the iPhone 5S and iPad mini 2.
Apple has not commented on the matter, so be sure to take all the current information floating around about the iPad 5 as mere rumor and speculation.
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