Apple may have finalized the specs and features of the upcoming iPad 5 for mass production of the tablet.

iPad 5 is reportedly to commence production in August for its supposed September/October launch. Based from previous releases, Apple announces new products several weeks ahead of a release.

Last year, 4th Gen iPad and iPad Mini were released in October, which is in time for Christmas and holiday shopping the company is likely to mirror 2013 with the iPad 5.

According to Mobile China Union, Apple is preparing the iPad 5 production to start in August, reaching volume production. This would allow Apple to shift the iPad 5 release date around without major gaps in inventory associated with a new iPad release. This report does not include any iPad 5 specs, but another leak sheds some light.

This is in line with the chatter from Apple suppliers regarding better iPad 5 battery, a September launch and suppliers that are ready to deliver enough components to meet projected iPad 5 release day demands. This set of rumours comes from DigiTimes which shares supply chain chatter and gossip. While the publication is not always spot on, it does deliver a fast track to insider news and this rumour lines up with others.

According to earlier rumors the iPad 5 specs could include:

  • 7.5-8.0mm - 15% thinner than the iPad 4
  • 500 grams - 25% lighter than the iPad 4
  • 9.7-inch display with GF2 touch technology from the iPad mini
  • Apple A7X processor
  • 5MP rear camera, HD front camera, similar to the iPad 4
  • Design similar to the iPad mini
  • 8,500-9,000mAh battery - 25 to 30% smaller than the iPad 4

The successor of iPad Mini may be released in December after reports claimed that iPad 5 launch is in September.

A report from Digitimes claims that Apple has still not decided if it wants the next generation model of iPad Mini to feature a Retina display or not. Should it decide to go with the higher-resolution panel, then the device may not be released until the end of the year. The report also stated that Apple is experimenting with iPad Mini designs that feature even slimmer bezels.

This report gives rise to the speculations that Apple will release the iPad Mini 2 by December. This rumour also coincides with previous allegations that Apple is planning separate launches for the two tablets since iPad Mini proved to be more popular than the full-sized iPad.

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.