Technologist Tuesday- iPad Rumor Roundup

To make sure you’re up to date, here’s a current iPad overview:

Today’s full size iPad is known as the 4^th generation iPad.  It is the only Apple product to feature the Oct. 2012 A6X processor.  This processor has twice the speed and twice the graphics as its predecessor the A5X (iPad 3^rd Generation).  These iPads hit our shelves November 2012. The iPad 4^th generation has a 9.7” screen and comes in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB & 128GB capacities. They are due for an upgrade.

When these full size iPads came out, a new iPad was also launched:  The iPad Mini. The iPad Mini features the A5 processor (same as the new iPod Touch).  The iPad Mini has a 7.9” screen and comes in 16GB, 32GB & 64GB capacities. They are also due for an upgrade.

What should we expect these upgrades to be?

No one ever really knows what Apple will unveil.  Apple has been criticized of quickly losing themselves as the mainstream, innovative leader they became.  That’s debatable.  There’s no doubt that Apple’s 2013 business year hasn’t exactly shocked the consumer electronics world with a new successful product line or major update (yet).  However, there’s one thing that Apple has always done well.  They know how to keep a secret.   The following information is a result of scouring Apple rumor websites and looking to the internet to shed some light on what we should expect to see in the next week or so.

iPad (5^th Generation) rumored updates:

• A7X processor upgrade:  2X faster, 2X better graphics?
• Not as bulky:  Thinner frame on left and right of screen
• Touch ID:  Fingerprint scanner built into home button is a must
• Colors:  Space Grey(black front), Gold & Silver (both with white front)
• Upgraded Cameras: Not as good as iPhone 5S, but better than previous gen
• Improved speaker system: Current speakers aren’t that amazing

iPad Mini (2^ND Generation) rumored updates:

• Processor upgrade:  To give the larger iPad an edge, I’d anticipate an A6or A7 chip
• Retina display:  We should see an upgraded resolution/quality screen
• Touch ID:  Maybe not on the Mini to give the 5^th gen iPad an edge
• Colors:  Space Grey(black front), Gold & Silver (both with white front)
• Lower prices:  Either lower prices or watered down version of the Mini at a lower price.
• Upgraded Cameras: Not as good as iPhone 5S, but better than previous gen
• Improved speaker system: Current speakers aren’t that amazing

The fact that iPhoto, iMovie, Pages, Numbers & Keynote are all free apps is a major bonus. Stay tuned…

The Technologist