iPad Mini-like iPad 5 back panel leaks

Pictures have emerged out of China showing the back panel of what is believed to be Apple's next-generation full-size iPad, the iPad 5.

Multiple rumours circulating the internet have suggested the main change for the iPad 5 will be a form factor similar to that of the iPad Mini, but obviously on a larger scale.

The iPad Mini itself drew inspiration from Apple's iPhone, with a narrower bezel along the sides and a generally thinner and more compact body shell.

While the new leak only shows the back panel (ie: it gives us no indication as to front panel or display proportions), it certainly does bear up that rumour because there is a lot of similarity to the iPad Mini's rear chassis.

Indeed, a side-by-side comparison shows the new iPad 5 panel looks just like a blown up version of the iPad Mini.

Admittedly, this could be a fake as the source of the story, 9to5Mac, states that it is 'an unverified image from a purported China-based iPad accessories maker' and that it 'cannot confirm that the above image is legitimate.'

The Chinese source also allegedly said that this is a prototype panel, meaning the final product could be a little different, and that it's almost as thin as the iPad Mini, which would place it around the 7.2mm mark.

We still think chances are good this is the real deal. After all, the Asian supply network did come up with the goods ahead of the iPad Mini and iPhone 5 launches and, more importantly, this sounds like something Apple would do.

Primarily that's because both the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini's designs have been much more warmly received than recent iterations of the larger iPad, which is now starting to get a bit repetitive with no real changes in the last two generations.

The iPad Mini style certainly does look slicker and more refined than its larger cousin and a transferal of these design cues to the bigger iPad can only work in its favour.