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Apple working on new iPad ‘Smart Case,’ Gorilla glass 2-backed iPhone 5

iLounge editor Jeremy Horwitz, who has proved to be reliable in Apple related leaks in the past, published a report today claiming “a reliable source” provided details on two products the company currently has in development. According to Horwitz, Apple is working on a new iPad “Smart Case” and “another glass iPhone.”

As for the “smart case,” the report described the new case as inspired by the existing smart covers but more like Incase’s Magazine Jacket (pictured above), because they will also have a back cover. Our inventory checks show no shortage of the current iPad smart covers ahead of the iPad 3 launch:

Said to be similar to Incase’s Magazine Jacket (and a host of subsequent alternatives that have appeared for the iPad 2), this new case has a folding magnetized Smart Cover on the front, and a rear shell made from fiberglass covered with PU/bicast leather. It’s unclear whether this case will be solely for the thicker new iPad or include backwards compatibility for the iPad 2.

The report’s sources also claimed Apple is experimenting with “glass and ceramic rear shells” for a future iPhone. Despite rumors of a potential aluminum-backed iPhone, Horwitz said sources indicate Apple will use Corning’s Gorilla Glass 2 unveiled at CES 2012 to make an iPhone that is thinner and potentially without the standard 30-pin dock connector. The report said a larger display is also possible. Apple just recently acknowledged Corning as a supplier claiming “Corning employees in Kentucky and New York…create the majority of the glass for iPhone.”

Earlier this year, Horwitz claimed to have details on the next-generation iPad by stating the device would pack a front-facing FaceTime HD camera and be slightly thicker to accommodate new parts.

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Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.