Tech giant Apple recently released the latest version of its operating system, iOS 7, which provides hint on the release of the much awaited iPad 5.

iPad 5 could be the first device to belaunched with iOS 7. The release is expected to happen later this year. The update is a big one as it introduces a massive overhaul to the iOS operating system, one that Apple says is the biggest since the original introduction of iOS with the iPhone back in 2007.

iOS 7 looks remarkably different from previous versions of iOS, including the latest update from Apple, iOS 6. Gone are the skeuomorphic textures of the previous versions of iOS, replaced by vastly different icons and textures. Apple has also seen it fit to add in a number of new features, as it always does with its annual iOS update.

Included in the new update are a host of new features, some big, some small, that will be coming to iPhone and iPad owners along with the new look sometime later this year. Later this year has been pinpointed to be the fall, though Apple remains mum on a specific release date.

As for the final version of iOS 7 for iPad, it's possible that given the late beta, that it could be out sometime after the iPhone's update. But given Apple's history of sending out major iOS updates to iPhone and iPad owners at the same time, we suspect that Apple is likely planning to release the iPad iOS 7 update at the same time as the iPhone's.

September seems to be the most likely candidate for an iPhone 5S launch and thus, the launch of iOS 7. And if that's true, and there is no reason to believe that it isn't at this point, it should mean that the iPad's iOS 7 update will be out in September.

There is a new rumour that is making the rounds claiming that Apple's iPad 5 will be released next week to counter the announcement of Samsung's phablet - Galaxy Note 3.

After the iPad 5 did not show up this week at the recently concluded Apple's annual WorldWide Developers' Conference, there are speculations that Apple intended to release its tablet in a separate event a week after the event. This is to counter the rumoured Samsung Galaxy Note 3 press event pegged next week.

The iPad 5 is rumoured to have no bezels, and the whole form factor has been made sleeker. Horowitz believes this design indicates that Apple will be calling on Sharp's IGZO screen technology. Sharp, however, according to Horowitz, has been struggling, and its ability to deliver components on time will play a key role in the release of the next iPad.

Moreover, the new iPad is rumored to come in different colors, including navy blue, gold, and grey, and will be 33% thinner and lighter than the iPad 4. The device will also have a thinner piece of glass, at just 0.2mm thick.

There are also claims that the iPad 5 will allow phone calls, as it will include a microphone and SIM port. It may also feature a vibrating mode for message alerts and haptic feedback from gaming. The resolution of the rear-facing camera will be upgraded to 8MP, according to accessory maker Tactus.

Still, the Cupertino-based company offers no official comment on the aforementioned rumours.