iPad 3 Will Be Thicker, Still Support Smart Cover? - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

iPad 3 Will Be Thicker, Still Support Smart Cover?

ipad3
Japanese blog Mac Otakara claims to have information from an Asian supplier that the next iPad will have a screen of the same physical dimensions as current iPads, and will support the Smart Cover but may be thicker.

According to Asian supplier which provides part for next iPad, next iPad has same size of screen, but case may be thicker by unknown reason. Current iPad cases, which covers backside, will not be compatible with thicker next iPad.

Also the source told, front rounding corner will be same with current iPad, then Smart Cover will be good companion with new iPad.

Though the site doesnt specify, the above image may be of prototype case for the iPad 3.

Mac Otakara has occasionally offered accurate information in the past, although several of its claims also failed to come true. Back in August, the site claimed that the iPhone 4S and iPad 3 would debut at a media event in early October with availability set for late October. iPad 3 rumors had been swirling at the time, but were later discounted as reported indicated that Apple will be pushing the iPad 3 with Retina display back to an early 2012 introduction.

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: It's Out]

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Update 10:04 a.m.: iOS 27 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event...
iOS 27 Icon iPhone

iOS 27 Available Now With These 8 New Features

Monday September 14, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
Update — 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple has released iOS 27. During its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo event last week, Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released widely on Monday, September 14. iOS 27 should be available around 10 a.m. Pacific Time / 1 p.m. Eastern Time today via the Settings app, under General → Software Update. Below, we have highlighted eight new features and...
Apple iCloud Plus expansion hero

iCloud+ Now Includes Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Curated Apple Music Stations in Over 100 Countries

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:43 am PDT by
Apple today announced a new subscription initiative that turns paid iCloud+ subscriptions into a broader services bundle in more than 100 countries. In select countries, Apple says every paid iCloud+ plan, including the cheapest 50GB tier, now includes Apple TV and Apple Arcade "at no additional cost," while family sharing extends the storage, TV and Arcade access to up to five people....

Top Rated Comments

Mr. Gates Avatar
193 months ago
***NGH***

Not Going to Happen.
I don't think they will go for a thicker Ipad.

That rumour is old last rumours said it would be the same as the current model.
No
Jony Ive won't let this prototype out of the door. He never settle for thicker.
Do you want a Retina Display ?

You do ?!!?

Well think before you comment :rolleyes:

Battery life is important. In fact it is more important then your fashion statement
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Menopause Avatar
193 months ago
Is it me or does it look more of like a pillow to anyone else too ? :eek:
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chrmjenkins Avatar
193 months ago
Thicker is fine IMO. The iPad 2 is almost comically thin. If it is going to be thicker, it better be for a reason, though. Like a retina display or larger battery, LTE support, etc.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
193 months ago
Jony Ive won't let this prototype out of the door. He never settle for thicker.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrr Avatar
193 months ago
Dear MacRumors, Repeat after me:

"I MacRumors solemnly swear that I will never repeat any rumor that comes from any iPhone or iPad case-maker, any unnamed Asian parts supplier or any financial analyst - named or not, ever again."
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kaibelf Avatar
193 months ago
Umm no.

Last time we wasted time listening to some Asian blog with "inside info" Case Logic manufactured tens of thousands of 5" iPhone cases. :rolleyes:
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)