Next Generation

Thinner, faster, lighter has been the mantra spoken with each iPad hardware update. The successor to the iPad Air is no different, with analysts predicting an A8 processor and Touch ID in Apple's next full-size tablet. Now a parts leak purported to show the front bezel assembly of the iPad Air 2 looks to confirm an integrated LCD panel.

Apple currently uses this technology on the iPhone 5s, which fuses the front panel and display components into one part. Not only does this configuration shave off device thickness, but the integrated LCD can improve image display quality. Both the iPad Air and the iPad mini with Retina display have separate front panel and display components, making this a key area for improvement on the next generation iPad Air 2.

Analyst David Hsieh has released a report on Apple's upcoming 2014 products based on his supply chain research. Hsieh believes "Apple is planning to revamp nearly all of the displays in its products over the next year." This includes a 12.9-inch iPad with a 2,732 × 2,048 resolution, a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.7-inch iPhone with a 1,920 x 1,080 display. Hsieh also said Apple will release an iWatch, a new Retina MacBook Air, and an Apple-branded TV sometime next year.

Hsieh notes that "rapid developments in technology and manufacturing of LCD and OLED displays" has made it easier for Apple's competitors to challenge the Cupertino company.

"Apple is no longer able to offer unique features in its displays as a long-term differentiator. Mobile device brands are adopting the latest displays with large sizes, high resolution, wide color gamut and low color shift wide viewing angle, and low power consumption, supplied by many panel makers not 'bounded by Apple. Introduction of the iPhone 5S and 5C was the latest example that Apple has been slow in adopting the latest display technologies.

Stunning new images detailing the front assembly of a white iPad 5 have surfaced on Sonny Dickson. As the fall release of the next generation iPad and iPad mini are fast approaching, higher quality photos and parts leaks are becoming the norm. Right in line with previous leaks, the part shows a thinner bezel on the next generation iPad.

The revised design brings the full-sized iPad in line with the iPad mini, which is also expected to see a refresh this fall. The iPad mini could feature a Retina display, increasing resolution. When it comes to the 5th generation iPad, Apple is expected to use the same film-based display technology featured in the iPad mini to reduce screen thickness.

If you believe analysts and the rumor mill, Apple will be releasing a record number of iOS devices this year. There is the iPhone 5S, iPhone mini or "low-cost" iPhone, iPhone Math, the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2. The iPhone Math rumor was based on a poorly translated Chinese news report, however, the original rumor stated Apple would be releasing three iPhones in 2013. While it's safe to assume Apple is only working on the iPhone 5S and a low-cost iPhone, it's possible that Tim Cook and team are gearing up to refresh the entire iPhone lineup with three new devices. That would make the iPhone Math rumor plausible, minus the goofy mistranslated name.

While there are a lot of wild iPhone rumors floating around, it's just the opposite for the iPad. The iPad mini is only expected to get an upgrade so it can catch up with its bigger brother. This means a 7.9-inch Retina display, an upgraded processor, and more RAM. It has been rumored that Apple is toying with the idea of releasing the new iPhone in an array of different colors, maybe they will do the same with the iPad mini too... But that's doubtful.

With a new year comes fresh reports of Apple's upcoming device releases, and the iPad is no exception. Initial leaks indicate the next generation iPad will have a slimmer width from side to side. This form factor would essentially mirror the iPad mini, except with a larger screen size. Gizmag explains that the bezel on each side will be over 8 mm thinner.

Not only this, but the iPad 5 could launch as early as March 2013 thanks to new competition in the tablet market. The Next Web has already received evidence from developers that Apple is indeed testing new hardware. The company has also moved to source A7 processors from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) instead of Samsung.

We know one thing for sure, Apple is going to announce the sixth-generation iPhone tomorrow, September 12, at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts at 10:00 am. What we don't know is what the new iPhone will be called, and if Apple will also announce the rumored iPad mini or new iPod touch. Here's what we think we know: Judging from the press invite (below) Apple will call the new device the "iPhone 5", not the "new iPhone" like it did with the third-generation iPad. Several reliable sources claim Apple will hold a special iPad mini event a few weeks after tomorrow's announcement, but they will announce a new iPod alongside the iPhone 5.

The new iPod is expected to feature a 4-inch display with a resolution of 1136 x 640, and a more powerful A5 processor. The iPhone is rumored to be 2mm thinner than the iPhone 4S, and to also feature a 4-inch screen. It's unclear if the phone will be powered by a new A6 chip, or the same A5X processor found in the iPad 3. All three devices, and all future Apple products, will feature new smaller dock connectors. Apple will reportedly sell their own branded adapters individually for $10, or three for $29. The iPhone 5 should also be 4G LTE compatible in the US, Canada and in parts of Asia and Europe as well.

By now every iOS fan has heard the rumor about the next generation iPhone featuring a smaller dock connector. It was originally reported Apple was working on a 19-pin connector for the iPhone 5, but recent rumors have suggested Apple is going for even less pins, maybe as low as 8... And now, iMore claims the iPhone is not the only iOS device receiving a makeover in 2012.

According to iMore, Apple "intends to update their entire lineup of iOS device products to support the new, miniaturized dock connector, and to do it as early the rumored September 12 special event this fall." This means the iPod nano, iPod touch and a new version of the 9.7-inch iPad will all be receiving a refresh next month. If true, this will be an unprecedented move by Apple.

According to an advertisement sent to 9to5Mac Apple stores will be opening at 8am on Friday, March 16th for the launch of the third generation iPad. My local Apple store says they will be opening normal hours (10am), but told me to keep checking the Apple website in case anything changes.

Demand for the new iPad has pushed online delivery estimates to "two - three weeks." This means if you want an iPad 3 on March 16th you will have to wait in line at your local Apple store. The 9to5Mac tipster said Apple employees will be pulling an overnighter in anticipation of the big event.

After a year of rumors and speculation, Apple officially announced the next installment in their line of post-PC devices. The third-generation iPad will rock blazing fast 4G LTE cellular connectivity along with a Retina-caliber HD display.

The new iPad display quadruples the number of pixels to 3.1 million (2048 x 1536 resolution) compared to the iPad 2. This means at 264 pixels per inch, individual pixels can't be distinguished from 15 inches away. This is one million pixels more than an HD display. Of course, all of these pixels require more processing power.

The iPad 3 has a home button! This is according to Repair Labs, which has acquired an iPad 3 digitizer and bezel. The part is pictured below in both black and white. According to this leak, the home button is exactly the same as the previous two iPad models.

After the Apple press event invite was circulated, some speculated that the home button would become a thing of the past. The photo on the invite did not depict a home button, however no other evidence pointed to Apple scrapping the design feature.