Big, and unpleasant, news may be in the offing for Apple tablet buffs, as new reports have emerged suggesting that the launch date for the new tablets, the iPad 5 and the iPad Mini 2, may be pushed back. What's pushing the tablets back, however, may prove even bigger news than the new tablets, in the form of a revived Mac Pro line that could be making an appearance.
While exact word about what's slated to come in the new Mac Pro line is still short on the ground, the word is that the new line of Mac Pro desktops could actually make an appearance by the end of the month. Apple's desktop line has taken something of a diminished role in recent years -indeed, the idea of a "post-PC era" came right out of Apple's former CEO Steve Jobs -but the desktop line is still, at last report, doing at least "reasonably well."
This particular shake-up isn't the only one in play, either, as not only are the new tablets set to be delayed, the iPhone 5S' release date is also set for a delay. Now, according to several industry sources, the iPhone 5S launch will be pushed back to Fall, and will not be arriving along with the newest iPads.
Newest reports indicate that the iPad 5 will not actually enter production until July or August, with a launch window of around late September to early October.
But the wait will likely prove worth it, as the early word on the iPad Mini 2 suggests a huge increase in resolution, going to 2048 x 1536, a dual-core A7 processor, and a 7.9 inch screen backed up by a 10 hour battery life, an iSight camera that can handle 1080p video recording, and an HD camera specifically for FaceTime. The iPad 5 will reportedly up the ante still further, completely removing bezels from the equation and, somehow, an even sleeker design than previously found. Both models are said to call on Sharp's iridium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) technology extensively, but some reports suggest that Sharp may be struggling to keep pace with the huge amounts Apple will need, and this may ultimately affect release dates further.
Naturally, as is the case with any early word about Apple, it's important to note that anything--including everything and alternately nothing at all--can change as time goes along. The closer a launch date gets, however, the more the insider reports and the like seem to step up, so we may well be looking at least something to launch for Apple in the near term future.
It's somewhat odd to see the Mac Pro line getting the revitalization, though, but on a certain level it makes sense. There is still certainly at least some demand for desktops, so why not have an Apple dog in that particular hunt? Apple already has an excellent line of tablets and smartphones, so holding off a bit on the newest releases may prove valuable. Better yet, it's always good to have a release toward the end of the year for the sake of the holiday shopping season, so seeing Apple wait a bit on releasing would be good. Additionally, those who bought iPad Minis recently likely want to see the old devices hold out a bit longer.
Information about Apple releases can change at any time, so it's certainly well worth checking back here with Mobility TechZone for all the latest news as it breaks.
Edited by
Stefania Viscusi 
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