Details for iPad 3 smart cover, iPhone 5 design leaked

iLounge scored some small, but juicy details on Apple’s upcoming case for the iPad 3 as well as the design for the sixth-generation iPhone, which is believed to be a departure from the stainless steel and glass build of the iPhone 4 and 4S.

According to the aforementioned source, Apple’s official case for the iPad 3 (perhaps the iPad HD?) will be similar to the current smart covers for the iPad 2, except this will feature a rear shell possibly made with fiberglass and a layer of leather on top. The iPad 3 is rumored to be a bit thicker than the iPad 2 if not the same, so backward compatibility of the case is unknown at this time.

The original iPad case covered the back of the device, but Apple ditched this design with the iPad 2 claiming the aluminum rear of the iPad 2 could hold its own. Still, it’s been the number one complaint of the smart cover, so it’s possible the Cupertino-based company will go back on its word with the iPad 3 case.

The other bit of news coming out of iLounge is that we may not see an aluminum casing for the iPhone 5 as expected. Going against nearly every rumor, iLounge’s source claims Apple is experimenting with using either ceramic or glass again — the latter would presumably be Corning’s Gorilla Glass 2 which is thinner yet stronger than its predecessor.

Aside from materials, the sources also say the 30-pin connector might soon reach the end of the road while a larger screen remains under consideration for future iPhone models.

[via iLounge]