Apple Accessory Maker Sparks Speculation With Slimmer iPad 5 Case Design

MacRumors has obtained photos of the new iPad 5 case designed by the Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) accessory maker Minisuit. The new slimmed-down case designed by Minisuit seems to confirm the rumors of a redesigned iPad 5 that will incorporate design aspects from the iPad Mini. This includes a narrower width and thickness, which hints that the iPad 5 will have a slimmer battery, as well as some other internal component changes.

The back of Minisuit’s iPad 5 case also shows a hole, presumably for the microphone, which is in line with the unconfirmed images of the iPad 5 back plate that were obtained by 9to5Mac in January. If these purported iPad 5 images are accurate, it would appear that the next-generation iPad will have a 9.7-inch display screen as well as narrower side bezels.

Based on these unconfirmed specifications, it would also appear that the thickness of the new iPad 5 will be almost identical to the iPad Mini, which would suggest that some significant changes to the device’s internals would also be necessary.