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Following the emergence last week of new photos that appeared to show the rear shell of the next-generation iPad mini in Apple's new "Space Gray" color, new photos of an alleged "gold" model with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor have surfaced on Chinese website Zol.com.cn [Google Translate] (via Nowhereelse.fr [Google Translate]).

gold_ipad_mini_2_touch_id.jpg
Specifically, the first photo of the device shows the lower half of the device from front, which appears to reveal a metal ring around the home button, much like the recently released iPhone 5s. The second photo from the set shows the tablet from the rear, revealing a gold finish similar to that of the gold iPhone 5s.

gold_ipad_mini_2_rear.jpg
We do, however, have some concerns over the legitimacy of the images, as the staged environment lacking much context could be indicative of these simply being high-quality renderings rather than actual photos. Suspicions are also raised by the fact that this device appears to be fully assembled, which is a far more advanced state than has been seen before, as until now only various part leaks have surfaced.

Apple is expected to unveil its second-generation iPad mini with Retina display and fifth-generation iPad at a media event within the next month or so, although a report from earlier yesterday indicated that the next-generation iPad mini may not ship alongside the new full-size iPad.

Article Link: Photos of Claimed Gold iPad Mini with Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor Surface
 
I might actually pick up a Mini, doesnt really make sense if you already have a 5s but seems like fun if not ill just sell it
 
No idea if this is a legitimate photo, but I think it's spot on. I definitely expect Touch Id in the new iPads.
 
I am highly doubtful that they will put touchid on an ipad mini. It doesn't make as much sense to me personally as it does on a phone and also they are trying to keep costs down on the mini and this would go against that. I could however see them making a silver trim ring around the home button just so that the esthetics match the new iPhone while using a standard plastic button without touch sensor. The only way I could see touchid useful on an ipad personally would be if you could log in as a different user depending on whose finger it detects. It would also make the auto-wake from the smart cover a bit awkward,.


Anyway this photo looks photoshopped to me. The shadow on the corner of the ipad on the picture of the back is too dark and if you look at the light reflections on the picture of the front each corner is reflecting light evenly but the ring around the touch sensor has asymmetrical reflection on it
 
Man, just received my new iPhone 5s and now this!



Wait. These picture are way too clear, defined, and sharp. They are in no way blurry or near an elevator-these must be fake!
 
Am I the only one who thinks that looks really nice? The Gold is such a subtle shade that it doesn't look tacky at all. It works with the TouchID Sensor golden ring.
 
oooooo!

Throw in a retina display, and this ipad release will be a mega phenomena!

ipad mini.. touch ID... retina display... a new faster chip... different colours eg gold...

wow. They'll sell millions!
 
I hope it's true. I'm picking up the new iPads and would love a unified sensor on all my devices. After a week with the touch ID, I find myself missing it on my current iPad mini. It sure beats entering a password that I'm required to have if I want work email.
 
The pic of it face down looks shopped to me....

Also, does apple realize that Hanukkah is the night before thanksgiving this year? Don't they know that I need to know what is going on soon!!!

It would be a major mistake for them to not have new mini's this year. Everyone and their sister has a 7inch HD tablet out there right now.
 
I don't think this looks very legit. The name "iPad" on the back is hardly noticeable, if you go and look at the back of the iPhone 5S Gold, it's much more noticeable.

2013-iphone5s-gold
 
Hope this is true. I love my mini so much. Even though it's showing its age, I don't want a bigger one. And I don't want to replace it with a unit that lacks TouchID or a retina display
 
the gold 5s is such a success apple would be silly not to be produce gold versions of the ipad. sell like hotcakes.
 
Not a bad idea.

However, I also question these "photos." To me, the biggest give that its a rendering, is the "floating cable" in the first pic. It doesn't appear to be in contact with the surface.

Also, there is something awkward about the pictures, shadows and highlights....It's hard to put my finger on.

Maybe it's the fact that I think a "leaker" most likely wouldn't have photo/lighting skills/time to set up if he/she had access to a fully completed unit.

I'd expect a Mr Blurry Cam type shot.

Still, it's an interesting, if not logical, speculation on direction.

Still not sold on the fingerprint reader personally...well, for that matter, not sold on the "Bling Bling" color either :)
 
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