Apple iPad 5 Detailed In A Set Of Images Ahead Of Expected Oct. 22 Unveiling

Nearly two weeks before Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) highly rumored Oct. 22 event, when the company is expected to release the new iPad 5 and the retina iPad mini 2, a bunch of new high-resolution images claimed to be of the fifth-generation iPad surfaced online, providing a detailed look at the device’s new design and components.

A number of earlier reports had showed off multiple alleged photos and videos of the iPad 5 and its components, but the new set of images, leaked by Australian blogger Sonny Dickson, offer a clear view of how the device could look like in a space gray-colored aluminum casing.

According to current rumors, the iPad 5 is likely to incorporate a design similar to that of the iPad mini, which includes smaller side bezels reducing the tablet’s size significantly. As a result, the device would also become much thinner and lighter, compared to the existing iPad 4.

In addition to the new form-factor, the iPad 5 is also rumored to have many new internal specifications. The tablet is expected to be powered by Apple’s new 64-bit A7 processor and is said to feature 2GB of RAM and the Touch ID fingerprint scanner, found in the iPhone 5s.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said last week that both iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 with retina display may sport an 8 megapixel rear camera -- an upgrade from the 5 megapixel camera in the current versions -- with enhanced aperture.

As seen in the latest set of photos, the iPad 5 is also rumored to be available in the space gray color option, which is a lighter color said to replace the existing slate color. As Apple has offered the latest iPhone 5s in a new golden color variant, some reports have even speculated that the company may also offer its next-generation iPad in the new color.

Although Apple has not confirmed it yet, reports started appearing on Wednesday saying that Apple would introduce the iPad 5 and retina iPad mini 2 at an event on Oct. 22. If the iPad event does take place on that day and if Apple follows its traditional calendar for releasing new products, the new iPads could become available for customers on Friday, Nov. 1.