Recently, 9to5Mac posted unconfirmed images of what they believe could be the rear casing for Apple’s next 9.7-inch iPad. The new images of the shell appear strikingly similar to the alleged fifth-generatation iPad detailed in a report from last week.
We were told this is a prototype back piece for the fifth-generation iPad with a 9.7-inch display. We were also told that the casing is almost as thin as the iPad mini’s back (pictured to the right).
If the above images are indeed of the official enclosure for Apple’s forthcoming fifth-generation tablet, the next full-sized iPad will adopt a slimmer, sleeker and lighter aluminum design from its cousin, the iPad mini.
Following the dozens of accurate iPhone 5 leaks, the recent iLounge report “detailing” the next iPad and the alleged iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 component images, it’s becoming more common to uncover information pertaining to unreleased iOS-based devices, as Apple’s Asian-based supply chain grows. Stay tuned for complete coverage on the inevitable plethora of next-generation iPhone and iPad leaks in the upcoming weeks and months.

