A Near-Term Look at the Apple Inc. (AAPL) iPad Lineup

Last week, we brought you this story about the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad mini. As the most popular tablet lineup in the world, there is always fresh information to share. Cupertino is always looking to take its tablet share to the next level, and with the next generation iPad (and mini) it is hoping to do just that.

At this point, many people are beginning to wonder what Apple has in store in the near-term. Is the company getting ready to announce a next generation iPad? What is the deal with the mini?

Although Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been relatively quiet about what is going on, there are a lot of rumors that share information on what could be happening in the near future.

Jony Ive, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Digitimes recently took a closer look at this developing story, sharing the following information:

“Apple is expected to announce its fifth-generation 9.7-inch iPad in September as scheduled, while its next-generation iPad mini reportedly may receive further upgrades in specifications, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

Since upstream suppliers have mostly finished preparing for the production of the new 9.7-inch iPad, there is unlikely to be any changes in terms of specifications for the device.”

There is a lot of interesting information from the quote above, including the fact that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may be set to announce its fifth generation iPad in September.

If this information is true, many may be disappointed by the rumor that there are not going to be any specification changes in the device.

The iPad mini, on the other hand, has a better chance of seeing some upgrades. Here is more from the article discussing some possibilities:

“In addition to the Retina Display, the new tablet features a slimmer bezel design to allow a bigger viewing area, while the number of LED tubes used for the device has been reduced from two to one, and battery longevity is also improved.”

It is hard to say for sure what Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has in store for the next generation iPad and iPad mini. Some people think Cupertino is going to announce an overhaul of both, full of new features, while others, such as the sources quoted by Digitimes, don’t see this happening in 2013.

One thing is for sure: consumers and investors are keeping a watchful eye on Apple as the days go by, hoping to learn more about the next generation iPad lineup.

What do you think is next for the iPad? Are you expecting big changes? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and read this article if you have a few minutes in your schedule.