iPad 5 Relocates Camera and Speakers Position with New Smart Cover
The design of the new iPad leaked as the tech giant shows off its new Smart Cover.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published an application from Apple showcasing the next iPad's Smart Cover with a built-in inductive charging and design of the next tablet.
PatentlyApple published a photo that shows the next iPad design features a speaker on the back and side of the tablet as well as a new camera position. The camera of an iPad is normally on the top left corner, except this time it is likely seen in the middle of the device.
In regards to the Smart Cover with built-in inductive charging, "Apple states that the body portion includes an inductive power transmitter arranged to wirelessly pass power to a corresponding inductive power receiver unit disposed within the iPad by inductively coupling, at least a first magnetic element, and at least a second magnetic element used to secure the body portion to the display in a closed configuration."
A method to wirelessly charge the iPad is also disclosed. The wireless charging for the iPad is reported to be carried out by the following: "determining if a protective cover is in a closed configuration with respect to the tablet device, enabling a wireless power receiver circuit in the tablet device when it is determined that the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to iPad and wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter associated with the protective cover."
The iPad Smart Cover could also supply power through an external and internal source. The external source is the protective cover, which could include a inductive power transmitter to transfer energy to inductive coils. The internal source for energy can be done through the protective cover as well through a power transfer circuit.
On the other hand, rumour has it that the iPad 5 will be announced next month featuring new and amazing design.
Apple-centric website iMore reported that the next generation of the iPads could make their debut in April. Although nothing has been written in stone in terms of specs, a "big redesign" is likely for the iPad 5 while the iPad Mini 2 will feature Retina Display.
"Apple is not going to release iPads that costs more or don't get as good battery life as the current models. So, if the next iPad mini does end up getting slated for April, it could be a spec bump, or have something other than Retina as a differentiator. Hopefully we'll know more soon," said the report.
Initial reports claimed that the fifth generation of Apple's iPad is speculated to be released this month as new rumours claimed that the company is following its original schedule.
Rumours claimed that the new iPad could arrive as early as March 2013 in the hope that it could salvaged Apple's plummeting earnings.
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.