iPad 5 Release Date: Will The Next-Gen iPad Have Touch ID? Rumored Features And Specs

Apple just recently released the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C and of course the much tweeted about iOS 7, so with rumors circulating regard Apple's next-generation iPad 5 we have some clues as to what may be expected! Let's not also forget that the iPad 5 is expected to be unveiled alongside the iPad Mini 2, which is essentially the same thing just smaller, as the name so cleverly implies. And while people are busy registering their nipples with Touch ID, and attempting to navigate through iOS 7, Apple has been fiddling with the new tablets just waiting for you to get bored with your latest device, so when are we expected to see the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2?

Well, sooner then you think. It's been almost a year since Apple released iPad 4 meaning a hardware upgrade is necessary and imminent; analysts have marked October 22 as the iPad 5 release date. Apple is holding an invitation only event at its Cupertino campus, and the rumored focus of this private event will be the latest updates to the company's iPad line. According to AllThingsD.com the event will also feature the new Mac Pro and OS X Mavericks. The iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 were notably absent from Apple's much-anticipated Sept. 10 media event; therefore it would make the most sense that the tablets would be released before Q4 to ensure mass consumption due to the holiday season.

So now that we know the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 are in fact coming, what can we expect from Apple's tablets? In terms of features, everything is still speculation, but speculations based in fact. The biggest upgrade coming from iPad 5 will most likely be its revamped design. The full size iPad 5 has gone through a makeover, which will make it look more like the successful iPad Mini. Apple will most likely unveil the iPad 5 with the same thickness, thin side bezels and symmetrical speaker grilles, as it's smaller version, in addition the iPad 5 is expected to have a similar aluminum unibody and less-tapered back for an easier grip in the palm of the user's hand. The iPad 5 is also rumored to be lighter, with its redesign modeled around the iPad Mini it's weight is sure to decrease. Its predecessor the iPad 4 weighs 1.46 pounds and the iPad Mini weighs 0.69 pounds, so most likely Apple will aim for a weight in between the two.

The redesign will make the iPad 5 sleeker and more compact, while it's specs will make it more powerful. The iPad 5 will most likely run Apple's new 64-bit A7 chip, the new chip was recently released in the iPhone 5S. But Apple could push it's new iPad line further in terms of specs, International Business Times reports that Apple may puch to include an A7X chip in the new iPad 5. If the new tablets do in fact feature Apple's upgraded chip, iPad Mini 2 will experience a serious processor upgrade. As for the iPad 5, the new processor will help support a Retina display and other vital features. The A7X chip "would perform similarly to the A7 chip but be optimized for iPad," the upgrade in chip will also optimize the tablet in order to run Apple's latest technology Touch ID. Touch ID is featured in the iPhone 5S; it is a 500ppi fingerprint sensor located right in the 5S' home button. According to Apple, the Touch ID is a 170-micron thin scanning sensor sits under a laser-cut sapphire crystal and is surrounded by the steel detection ring, which can capture 550 pixels per inch of resolution in a user's fingerprint. Users will be able to simply touch their home buttons (rather than swipe the screen) to unlock their device, but more importantly, Touch ID can be used to authenticate your iTunes purchases and in place of traditional password codes.

If Touch ID is included in the iPad 5, users will receive a home button made entirely of sapphire glass. The specialized glass reduces the potential for damage and it's bounded by a steel "detection ring" that determines when your finger is on the home button thus engaging the Touch ID sensor. Another exciting feature expected in iPad 5 is an improved camera. According to Expert Reviews, the iPad will most likely feature a 8-megapixel rear-facing camera. The tablet will most likely receive an upgrade to it's FaceTime HD camera as well, most rumors point to the front facing camera being a 2-megapixel camera with 1080p HD video.

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