According to TechCrunch, the next generation iPads that would be unveiled on October 22 would be new versions of the iPad and the iPad Mini. Matthew Panzarino of TechCrunch said in his report the larger iPad would most likely have trimmed down bezels. A bezel is the outside frame area around the glass of the tablet. According to online technology dictionary TechTerms said, "Thinner bezels help maximize the screen real estate of laptop." It was also expected to have a thinner casing. Panzarino said he assumed the bigger iPad would also run on the A7 processor.

TechCrunch also cited other reports that said the iPad would most likely feature the TouchID fingerprint recognition system found on the latest iPhone 5S. However, it was still unconfirmed. Using the iPhone 5S as basis, the TechCrunch report also expected the new iPads to come in colors of gold, Space Grey and traditional silver.

For the third quarter of this year, Apple reported a profit of USD 6.9 billion from revenues of USD 35.3 billion. Profits were down compared to the same period last year as iPad sales also dropped to 14.6 million units from 17 million. According to news website The Verge, iPad sales had been down for the eighth consecutive quarter.