New Photos Show Details of Alleged 'iPad Mini' Rear Shell

A number of photos of the rear shell of the "iPad mini", both alleged actual parts and physical mockups, have been leaking in recent weeks, but a Nowhereelse.fr points to a new set [Google translation] at Chinese site NetEase showing in fairly good detail both the interior and exterior of the shell. The part is alleged to be a legitimate rear shell leaked from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in Shenzhen, China.

netease ipad mini shell 1
The pictures show a number of details of the rear shell, including the opening for Apple's smaller dock connector expected to debut on the iPhone 5 next week, a rear camera hole, and the interior lip where the display and front panel will be attached. The shell appears to be for a Wi-Fi model, as it lacks a cutout for a SIM card and an open section along the top edge for a plastic window covering where the cellular antennas would be.

netease ipad mini shell 2
As with other recently-leaked photos, the rear shell shows relatively little tapering compared to the current full-size iPad, instead carrying a rounded, almost partial bullnose profile along the sides.

netease ipad mini shell 3
While Apple is holding a media event next Wednesday, the company is said to be focusing on the new iPhone for this event and planning a separate media event for October to introduce the iPad mini.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Tag: NetEase
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad

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Top Rated Comments

slrandall Avatar
164 months ago
The part is alleged to be a legitimate rear shell

When are leaks not allegedly legitimate? The question is whether they are or not.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nepalisherpa Avatar
164 months ago
If iPad Mini happens, I'm definitely getting one! :) For some reason, it looks thick from those angles.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Swordylove Avatar
164 months ago
Am I the only one who notices that something is not quite right in the first pic?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Westside guy Avatar
164 months ago
For some reason I find it hilarious that there's a ThinkPad in the background of these iPad images! :D
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pgiguere1 Avatar
164 months ago
Most likely fake, there's no Apple logo cutout. Remember that this is where the Wi-Fi antenna goes since it can't go through metal.

No cutout = No WiFi.

It should have a cutout like this:


EDIT: The Wi-Fi antenna could still go somewhere else, such as in the front bezel.

It's also weird that the "iPad" logo appears to have a reflective finish. All products names on aluminium are usually laser engraved in black, like this:


Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chupa Chupa Avatar
164 months ago
To all who think it's going to be $200, you are dreaming. The Nexus 7 is sold at cost, with a plastic cases and only 8GB storage. The iPad mini is going to be a full featured, high quality 7" tablet, something that doesn't yet exist in the marketplace. It's going to be for the consumer that wants a lighter, more compact tablet, not one who is trolling for the least expensive option.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)