Rear Shell of Silver iPad 5 Appears in New Photos

French site Nowhereelse.fr [Google Translate] has posted new alleged photos of the back casing of the next-generation iPad. The images appear to show a silver casing, and are also consistent with a previous report that the next-generation full-sized iPad would use the same touch panel technology like that of the current generation iPad mini to achieve a smaller size. The images also show a rear shell for an iPad mini, although it is unclear whether the part is intended to be for the current iPad mini or a second-generation model.

Throughout the past few months, a number of reports have surfaced claiming to be leaks from both upcoming products. The rear shell of the fifth-generation iPad leaked as far back as late January, and a silver part very similar to the one shown in today's photos appeared earlier this month.

Other sightings have included a brief video that claimed to show the next-generation iPad’s front panel and digitizer paired with a rear shell, as well as alleged photos of the black next-generation iPad’s front panel and digitizer assembly.

Meanwhile, a report last month stated that the next-generation iPad mini will likely include a Retina display, and will potentially be available with back covers in a number of colors. Photos of the next-generation iPad mini’s silver rear shell also appeared last month and showed off a new embedded black logo, which is a distinct change from styling of the current-generation iPad mini with a mirrored logo applied to the rear of the device.

Apple will reportedly release the thinner full-sized iPad and the next-generation iPad mini in the final three months of the year, with the devices apparently set to debut at a separate media event from the one for the next-generation iPhone scheduled for September 10.