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Following Apple's introduction of a new "Space Gray" color to replace the slate color previously used on the iPhone 5 and the company's iPod lineup, many have wondered whether the iPad and iPad mini will be making similar color transitions when they are updated in the near future.

Photos of alleged next-generation iPad mini rear shells have leaked several times over the past several months, but all of the parts have been of the silver variety that is paired with a white front panel in current models.

ipad_mini_2_shell_gray_side.jpg

But now Japanese parts retailer Moumantai has begun selling a space gray version of the part (via Nowhereelse.fr), suggesting that the new color will indeed replace the slate color seen on the original iPad mini.

ipad_mini_2_shell_gray_bottom.jpg

A somewhat sketchy report from C Technology yesterday [Google Translate] had claimed that the next iPad mini will be coming in the current silver/white and new space gray color options, and today's photos support that claim.

The report also claimed that the full-size iPad will be arriving in the same three colors seen on the iPhone 5s: space gray/black, gold/white, and silver/white. Nearly all of the recent fifth-generation iPad shell leaks have been of the silver variety, but the very first leak back in January showed the part in the slate color used on the iPhone 5 and current iPad mini. It is certainly possible, however, that Apple altered its plans after that point and opted to shift all of its planned slate-colored products to the new space gray.

Apple is expected to update its iPad lineup within the next several months, most likely at a media event scheduled for as soon as next month in order to ensure the new models hit the market in time for the holiday shopping season. Much of Apple's Mac lineup is also due for updates, suggesting that the company may yet have a slew of product releases coming once interest in the upcoming iPhone 5s/5c launch begins to ebb.

Article Link: Next-Generation iPad Mini Rear Shell Surfaces in 'Space Gray'
 

fjfjfjfj

macrumors 6502
Mar 20, 2009
327
140
New York, NY
Would need to see it in person, but I personally like the aluminum better. I wonder if the aluminum products will be moving to space gray?
 

BruceEBonus

macrumors 65816
Sep 23, 2007
1,355
1,362
Derbyshire, England
Don't argue. Buy! Buy! Buy! They're new. That's reason enough to purchase. Space Grey? Sounds great! And if there's any other new features in em then double bonus! Two thumbs up!
 

akbarali.ch

macrumors 6502a
May 4, 2011
800
681
Mumbai (India)
Are these colors achieved by a different process or is it similar to iphone5 slate color, which wears off easily. It would've been better if they used metal having that color instead of painting aluminum, as paints wear off from anything applied on.
 

Eduardo1971

macrumors 65816
Jun 16, 2006
1,383
939
Lost Angeles, Ca. usa
Very nice looking indeed! Looking forward to the next several weeks (yet, again).

On a separate note, it blows that the speakers are still in their portrait orientation. Boo!
 
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Gjwilly

macrumors 68040
May 1, 2011
3,216
701
SF Bay Area
apple sure is pushing "space grey" must be the easiest to manufacture.

Anodization can be done in various levels of "hardness" and natural grey is one of the harder ones. It's usually more of an olive color though so Apple might have chosen "space grey" for other reasons.
 

Commy1

macrumors 6502a
Feb 25, 2013
728
73
No Gold?! It won't match my iPhone D: What will the fashion police say
 
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