Apple to Release Thinner Fifth-Generation iPad and Retina iPad Mini in Last Three Months of 2013

As parts leaks have suggested, Bloomberg reports that Apple will release a thinner full-sized iPad in the final three months of this year -- this would suggest that the iPad would be released at a separate media event from the one supposedly scheduled for September 10th when the next iPhone is expected to be released.

Bloomberg also says Apple will release a Retina-equipped iPad mini in the same time-frame, similar to previous reports.

macrumors-ipad5a

Mockup of fifth-generation iPad next to iPad mini

Apple Inc. is preparing to introduce a new version of the iPad with a thinner design, people familiar with the plans said, as the company works to stay atop the increasingly crowded tablet-computer market.

Apple also plans to introduce a new iPad mini, the first with a high-resolution screen, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the development is private. The new iPad models are set to be introduced in the last three months of the year, one of the people said.

The new full-sized iPad is expected to have a thinner screen bezel like the existing iPad mini, while the new mini is not expected to have any significant design changes.

Related Roundups: iPad, iPad mini
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...

Top Rated Comments

tbrand7 Avatar
157 months ago
Thank you Bob. I knew you could figure out how to fit a Retina display into a mini! :)
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
benh911f Avatar
157 months ago
Really hoping the new Mini has Retina. Then I can sell off my 3rd-Gen iPad, (aka, The Bastard Child iPad) and get a Mini.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0029937 Avatar
157 months ago
My wallet is ready. Retina Mini=instant buy.

Coming from a 2, it's time.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xNYMetsx Avatar
157 months ago
I don't care, as long as the iPad Mini has Retina. IT'S ALL THAT MATTERS
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WilliamG Avatar
157 months ago
Thank you Bob. I knew you could figure out how to fit a Retina display into a mini! :)

Well, I know why I won't be able to fall asleep tonight.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0029937 Avatar
157 months ago
Is the Mini really that awesome? Wasnt it strange to go from 9,7 inches to 7,9? Thats the only thing that should stop me from buying the Mini.
Not strange at all. It's actually the opposite. It's strange to go to a full size iPad now after using a Mini. Why? Because the Mini is just such a joy to hold in my opinion. It feels good in the hand and it's especially amazing for longer periods of using it. To me it's that sweet spot of the perfect size. Kind of like how I assume most people think 13" is the perfect Macbook size, yes some people want 11 or 15 but 13 I think is the most popular for a reason, it's the sweet spot.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)