Alleged photos of the rumored iPad mini leaked today, putting another dent in Cupertino's famed veil of secrecy.
The photos appear to depict a production run, or prototype iPad Mini running iOS 5 (as one can garner from the Maps icon). If real the photos appear to confirm many of the rumors currently circulating regarding the device's smaller physical appearance including rounded iPod like edges. However, the edge to edge bezeless design doesn't appear to be part of the final design, although the bezel is slightly thinner along the sides of the device.
Apple's secrecy, while historically impressive, has taken a massive hit in the past two years. Between the iPhone 4 Gizmodo debacle, and the continually leaked images of the iPhone 5, not much has not been known about Apple devices before their release recently. The only surprise of late came with the Retina Display MacBook Pro and even then the specs sheet was pretty much predetermined.
Apple's supply chain is simply too massive, with too many players for the company to maintain the level of secrecy Jobs was accustomed to during the height of Apple hysteria. Speculation used to rely on trickles of information leaked out of rusty faucets, that no human with an ounce of critical awareness would believe. Now, the leaks are so frequent, and so substantive they're rarely given a second look. Apple's product announcements are filled with almost no suspense as the results are a forgone conclusion. The only people disappointed are those who ignore all the "leaks" or continue to hope and pray that Apple has "one more thing," even though all the specs, and design elements of products are leaked beforehand.
And you know what? This only applies to the iPhone and iPad. Rumors of newly colored iPods surfaced, but there were no actual photos. And the redesigned iPod mini was a pleasant surprise. But, those aren't the big ticket items. Even the people looking to leak information aren't interested in them.
The iPad mini appears to be another victim of Apple's success. We know what is in the pipeline. Heck, some even have it in their hands. We'll all tue=nein to the announcement and hang on Tim Cook's every word. Eventually though, people might get sick of not being surprised.
Source: Bolopad [via CNET and Gizmodo]
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