New iPad to have mini-esque design, new iPhone to feature similar look as current model

Jassim ahmedJanuary 25, 2013

According to a report today from iLounge, the next iteration of Apple’s iPad will be getting an aesthetic upgrade, and will feature a design closer to that of the mini— although not size wise. This news comes from Jeremy Horwitz, who has often been right about his predictions for Apple products, so this report has some believability behind it.

“What does it look like? Well, it’s a lot smaller than one would guess was possible: in portrait orientation, picture a 9.7” screen with virtually no left or right bezels, and only enough space above and below the screen to accommodate the mandatory camera and Home Button elements. Beyond that, it’s noticeably thinner, as well, which is to say the the fifth-generation iPad will be smaller in every dimension than its predecessors.”

This design sounds strikingly similar to the iPad mini, on which Apple opted to all but eliminate the bezels. In order to counteract the issue of having nowhere to grip the device on the sides, Apple also developed new software to tell the difference between accidental and purposeful touches. Such technology will be needed even more on the full size iPad, so that users can grip the edges without worrying.
Additionally, the next iteration of Apple’s iPhone line will not be seeing a major update this year. As is tradition now, Apple will release the product as the iPhone 5S, and the device will not have major physical changes. However, this news may be mitigated by the rumored new models that Apple plans to introduce.
The first is a cheaper iPhone, supposedly made of plastic, that will be accessible to lower income brackets than the luxurious iPhone 5. This device is expected to launch this year, so we will keep our eyes peeled for news. The second new line has not had any hard evidence as of yet, but some believe that Apple will also be introducing a high-end iPhone dubbed the “iPhone +” to reach into higher markets.
Ultimately we wont tell until Apple announces these products, but none of these rumors are too far-fetched. Hopefully we will see some leaked parts soon that will give us a better picture of what devices are coming.