When it comes to the world of Apple, the iPad 5 and the iPad mini 2, there are so many rumors it's hard to even figure out what's going on. When will the new iPad come out? Will the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 hit at the same time?
The newest rumor seems to be that the iPad 5 may be delayed past an expected April launch, and that the iPad mini 2 will be delayed with it. Why? Believe it or not, it might be to make room for the launch of a refreshed Mac Pro line-up.
That's what the International Business Times is reporting through its A.U. edition, but its lead is unclear at best when scrutinized. The publication states that "rumours claimed" both the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 release dates will be pushed back due to the fact that Apple wants to push the new Mac Pro replacement. However, with no source linked or cited, it seems like IBT itself is suggesting iPad releases are being shifted to push the Mac Pro line. No one else seems to be reporting on this strategic shift.
To be clear, there are rumors indicating the iPad 5 won't be revealed in April as was previously expected, but they don't have much to do with the Mac Pro. According to DigiTimes, "Volume production of the fifth-generation 9.7-inch iPad will kick off in July-August 2013, according to sources with Taiwan-based supply chain makers. Yield rates for key components, especially touch panels, will be a major concern for smooth production."
But the DigiTimes piece, which is the source for most, if not all, of the iPad 5 delay articles hitting the Internet on Wednesday, does not mention the iPad mini 2 at all, nor do other outlets reporting on the rumor.
The connection between the Mac Pro unveiling and the iPad delay doesn't seem sourced to anything other than speculation. The Mac Daily News article concerning the Mac Pro replacement doesn't mention either the iPad 5 or the iPad mini 2. So while it's possible there could be a connection, it's a bit misleading to say that "rumours claim" it exists.
So are the iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 delayed? Considering that Apple has never officially talked about its release calendar, the answer is pretty simple: We have no idea.
