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

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
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
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.

Related Roundups: iPad, iPad mini
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iOS 19 Mock WWDC25 Feature

iOS 19 Expected to Run on These iPhones

Monday March 31, 2025 5:28 pm PDT by
iOS 19 will not be available on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or the iPhone XS Max, according a private account on social media site X that has accurately provided information on device compatibility in the past. The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max all have an A12 Bionic chip, so it looks like iOS 19 will discontinue support for that chip. All other iPhones that run iOS 18 are expected...
maxresdefault

Apple Releases iOS 18.4 With Priority Notifications, Ambient Music, New Emoji and More

Monday March 31, 2025 10:03 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, the fourth major updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating system updates that came out last year. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 come two months after Apple released iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to...
watchOS 11 Thumb 2 1

Apple Releases watchOS 11.4 With Sleep Alarm Update

Tuesday April 1, 2025 10:34 am PDT by
Apple today released watchOS 11.4, the fourth major update to the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 11.4 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, all Apple Watch Ultra models, and the Apple Watch SE 2. watchOS 11.4 can be downloaded on a connected iPhone by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software,...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Monday March 31, 2025 11:27 am PDT by
Apple today released new firmware updates for all AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 models. The new firmware is version 7E93, up from the 7B21 firmware that was installed on the AirPods Pro 2 and the 7B20 firmware available on the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC. It is not immediately clear what new features or changes are included in the new firmware, but we'll update this article should we find ...
iPhone 17 Pro 34ths Perspective

iPhone 17 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

Sunday March 23, 2025 10:00 am PDT by
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of March 2025: Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone ...
macOS Sequoia Feature

Apple Releases macOS Sequoia 15.4 With Mail Categorization and More

Monday March 31, 2025 10:04 am PDT by
Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.4, the fourth major update to the macOS Sequoia operating system that launched in September. macOS Sequoia 15.4 comes two months after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15.3. Mac users can download the ‌‌macOS Sequoia‌‌ update through the Software Update section of System Settings. It is available for free on all Macs able to run macOS 15. With...

Top Rated Comments

iapplelove Avatar
151 months ago
apple sure is pushing "space grey" must be the easiest to manufacture.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mikeoui Avatar
151 months ago
Awesome. I love the style of MacRumors, but once again...I read this on 9to5Mac and Cult of Mac hours ago... :(

I'll be honest, I stick with MacRumors because I really, really dislike 9to5Mac's web-site. It's horrible to look at. So I have accepted getting news a little later.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BvizioN Avatar
151 months ago
Any chance of iPad 5C?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mizaco Avatar
151 months ago
looks boring
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Hexiii Avatar
151 months ago
Isn't it too gray? The original silver looks better to me.

It will replace the black, not the white one.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tankmaze Avatar
151 months ago
that is actually look very good. very sleek.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)