It was widely rumoured that the iPad 5 and the iPad Mini 2 may arrive together in one big announcement but recent news claims this may not be the case after all.

ipad 5

According to sources close to the supply chain in Taiwan, the iPad 5 will enter production next month ready for release in Q3, something that we have heard before. But it seems that the iPad Mini 2 may be in for a later release date.

Volume production of a new-generation 9.7-inch iPad will begin in July-August with shipments in the third quarter estimated at five million units. Meanwhile, a second-generation iPad mini may see its volume production postponed from September to November, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

We’ve heard that the bezel of the iPad 5 will be reduced to allow the same sized screen to be packed into a smaller chassis, as well as new technology in the screen material that will reduce its weight by around 20-30%.

The next-generation 9.7-inch iPad is expected to adopt a thin-film-type touch panel solution to reduce its weight by 20-30% and will adopt a slim bezel design to increase the display area. The new iPad’s industrial design reportedly will also be modified.

iPad 5 & iPad Mini 2

As far as the iPad Mini 2 goes, it is expected to stay relatively the same, except with the addition of a retina display, but retaining the same exterior chassis.

If the rumour is anything to go by, we may not see the iPad Mini 2 until 2014, but this seems very unlikely unless the iPad Mini 2 has in fact experienced significant production issues. I wouldn’t think Apple would miss releasing an update to such a popular product before Christmas.

The iPad Mini is expected to account for 35% of all iPad sales, so I would expect Apple to release the iPad Mini 2 before 2013 is up in order to maximise sales potential of the popular device.