“Over the past few months, multiple rumors have pointed to Apple’s fifth-generation iPad being in development with a design akin to the recently launched iPad mini,” 9to5Mac reports. “That design would likely feature the black & slate/white & silver design language, thinner casing, chamfered edges, and a smaller overall footprint.”

9to5Mac reports, “Today, we received an unverified image from a purported China-based iPad accessories maker, an industry that seems to frequently tip off Apple’s future product designs, of the back plate for the next iPad… 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.”

Purported iPad (5th gen.) rear case (left), current iPad mini (right). via 9to5Mac.com

Purported iPad (5th gen.) rear case (left), current iPad mini (right). via 9to5Mac.com

More info and images in the full article here.