Many signs point to the imminent release of the next generation of Apple's tablet - iPad.

New concept images of iPad 5 emerged online, which is based on the latest rumours that suggest that Apple's fifth-generation iPad will be thinner and lighter than the iPad 4, adopting a similar design to the iPad mini.

Designer Martin Uit Ultrecht published his concept designs on 3DExport, explaining that the model is based on the accurate model he made of the iPad mini, but with the 10in screen size of the full-size iPad.

Last week, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the iPad 5 will be arrive mid this year, probably either in June or July. The analyst have predicted the releases of Apple's previous devices correctly.

Kuo expects the 9.7-inch fifth generation iPad to feature a design that is more or less similar to the iPad Mini, "significantly lighter and slimmer" than the design featured in the third- and fourth-generation models. The upcoming tablet is expected to be powered by an A7 processor with IGZO screen display.

Kuo also believes that the release date of the iPad 5 is scheduled for the third quarter of 2013, which comes in contrast with recent rumours that the device will be released in the month of March, as was the case with the first three generations of the tablet.

Kuo also expects the second-generation iPad Mini to feature a 7.9 inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, the same resolution as the 9.7-inch iPad. In addition, the analyst estimates that the long-awaited Apple iTV will not hit the market before 2014.

However, new reports claimed that Apple slashed orders for iPad screens. Japanese manufacturer Sharp has reportedly cut the number of full-size iPad screens it builds for Apple. Reuters' sources have claimed that the production line at Sharp's Kameyama plant is running at the 'minimal' level required, just to keep it moving.

Many speculated that this is due to the demand for iPad Mini. Thus, Apple is focusing its efforts to the miniature tablet.

See the slideshow for the mock-up images of the upcoming iPad.

Ipad