iPad 5 cases produced ahead of potential WWDC unveiling

Ahead of WWDC 2013, accessory manufacturer Gumdrop has hedged its bets on a new Apple tablet unveiling, producing 15,000 iPad 5 cases.

Basing the case designs on recent iPad 5 rumours, the accessory specialist has predicted that the much mooted iPad 4 follow-on will land boasting a refreshed form factor and design akin to that of the iPad mini. Although unclear, it is not expected that an iPad 5 release date will be held until September alongside the iPhone 6.

Although a somewhat speculative venture, Gumdrop has past success with this strategy, unveiling iPad mini cases a day before the tablet was formally introduced. Although beating Apple’s official unveiling, the cases reportedly fit the 7-inch tablet perfectly.

Suggesting his company began producing iPad 5 cases ‘months ago’, Gumdrop CEO Tim Hickman has stated that although a risky move, the potential benefits of predicting the iPad 5 unveiling in such a manner could be huge.

Speaking with 9to5Mac he said: “Business has been good to Gumdrop and we can afford to take a pretty big bet, because the payoff is massive if we are right.”

Offering further potential insight into the as yet unconfirmed tablet, Hickman added: “I’m amazed at how much smaller the overall form factor is, given the screen size is the same. That’s really an amazing piece of engineering by the Apple team.”

With an iPad 5 unveiling believed to be pencilled in for a separate launch event later this year, it is expected that WWDC will see Apple focus on the rumoured iOS 7 launch. Kicking off next week, Apple’s developer conference is tipped to see the Jonny Ive inspired operating system update formally unveiled ahead of rollout for iPhone and iPad users later in the year.

iPad 5 Rumours

With claimed iPad 5 pictures having done the rounds online in recent weeks, it is believed the fifth-generation 9.7-inch tablet will run an all new design alongside an improved camera, faster processor and larger storage options.

Potentially the first device to come pre-installed with iOS 7, the heavily rumoured iPad 5 is expected to boast a brushed metal casing, slimmer and lighter than past models.

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