iPad 5 Rumor Roundup

Apple's AAPL fifth-generation iPad is less than two weeks away from its expected unveiling. The highly anticipated tablet is believed to contain a number of improvements over the previous iteration. But aside from the promise that it will be lighter and thinner, what can consumers really expect from Apple in 2013? 64-Bit Processing One of the bigger rumors (or assumptions) is that the fifth-generation iPad will include a 64-bit A7 processor. Unlike the iPhone 5S, which has been criticized by some for being marketing fluff (since it can't take advantage of all that power), the iPad 5 may be capable of using 64 bits right out of the box. Related: Microsoft Might Pay $350 For Your Apple iPhone Or iPad M7 What iPhone 5S-inspired tablet would be complete without an M7 processor? Colors For Sandra Bullock If Gravity star Sandra Bullock could use a tablet in space, it would likely be a Space Gray iPad 5. Lucky for her, Apple is rumored to be developing one, along with iPads that come in gold and silver. More Shipments Than The iPad Mini 2? It's no secret that the first-generation iPad Mini made a mockery out of the fourth-generation iPad. The lower price was just one of the reasons why consumers preferred the compact tablet over the larger model. Despite this, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has spread a rumor that Apple ship a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57605594-37/ipad-5-set-to-outpace-ipad-mini-2-shipments-kgi-says/">limited number of iPad Mini 2 units. By default, the company will have more iPad 5 units in stores. If true, some may view this as Apple's way of unofficially pushing consumers back to the full-size tablet. After all, Apple has made billions of dollars selling traditional iPads. Why would it want to scale down to smaller devices and smaller profit margins? Of course, those who ask that question may wonder why Apple released the iPad Mini in the first place. iOS 7.1 While it won't be a major upgrade, the iPad 5 is also rumored to be released alongside an update for iOS 7. iPad 5 Unveiling: October 15, October 22 Or October 25? Some rumors claim that Apple will unveil the next iPad on October 15. Others believe that it will be introduced one week later on October 22. October 25 has also appeared on the rumor mill as a possible release date for the new tablet. Thus far, Apple has not confirmed any of these dates. Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ