Apple want to bring the full sized iPad which has a 9.7 inch screen in line with their recently released iPad mini. To do this they are reportedly planning to announce and release a fifth generation of the iPad in March of 2013. This speculated release date is notable because it means that the next iPad will be released just five months after the current model was announced. This also means that Apple will have releaesed the third, fourth and fifth generation models in a 12 month period.
The fifth generation iPad information comes courtesy of Macotakara which is a Japanese blog which has been very active in the iPad prediction market over the past twelve months. They have also claimed that the fifth generation iPad will bring the device more in line with the aesthetics of the iPad mini by making it lighter and thinner as well as slightly changing the device's shell.
This rumor also seems to fall in line with speculations that Apple could be changing tactics in favor of a six monthly release cycle for the iPad rather than releasing new hardware every twelve months. It is unclear as to how consumers will feel about this though because it will mean that a new version of their device will be released every six months and it could lead to a dramatic fall in sales as consumers realize that their product will be outdated after just a couple of months of use.
In relation to the overall specifications fo the upcoming fifth generation iPad, there is no information available. It is likely that we will see an upgrade and major improvements to the iPad mini in the coming year with the introduction of a retina display and an improved processor ripped straight from the fourth generation iPad, but as yet we really don't know.
For now, this is all the information we have received but we are sure that once the new year arrives the rumor mill will begin and information will start to become available.
