Back shells for the new iPad mini have allegedly been leaked on the Chinese WeiPhone forums (translated link). Due to the unclear sourcing for these images, it is difficult to determine if the shells are legitimate Apple parts, but they appear to depict a device with the same size and general shape as the first-generation iPad, thickened only slightly at the edges. Sources have indicated the new iPad mini will have a Retina screen, which in the third-generation iPad demanded additional battery capacity, lighting, and processor power relative to the prior model, necessitating a slightly thicker rear shell.
Additional shots of the alleged iPad mini backs are featured below.
