The fifth-generation iPad, which is rumored to have a design similar to that of the iPad mini, will enter production in July, shortly before its official announcement in September, according to sources on the production line.
The rumors come from the not-so-reliable DigiTimes, which says the new iPad will feature the same 2048 x 1536 Retina display as its predecessor, but will be surrounded by a new aluminum frame, which will be the same design as the iPad mini.
In its effort to make it smaller, Apple is expected to use new manufacturing methods for the display, using an LED bar for lighting, as opposed to the two used in the fourth generation, resulting in the device being 25-33% thinner than its predecessor.
Despite rumors that Apple was trying to oust Samsung as a supplier, the screens for the new iPad are manufactured by Samsung, LG, and Sharp, while the LED bars for the lighting are manufactured by Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology.
