Anticipation over Apple’s new iPad is high, as the updated generation of tablets is officially unveiled tomorrow.  Though buyers have seemingly shifted interest to the iPad Mini, now Apple’s second-largest moneymaker next to the iPhone, the fifth generation iPad could refresh consumer interest in the tablet.

Rumored to feature Touch ID, the iPad 5 could turn some heads, furthering Apple’s latest vision of the future.  But what do users want to see in their new iPads?  Better displays and cameras?  Or the iPhone 5c’s color-shocked shells?

5 things people want to see on the new iPads

 
Apple’s set the bar with its mobile products, but competitors are starting to catch up.  Innovation is the only way for Apple to widen the gap, so what feature updates do iPad users hope to see in the latest version of the tablet?

Here’s a few perks consumers have voiced in their hopes for iPad updates:

Longer battery life

Manufacturers promise battery life that lasts for hours, and it is one of the features consumers look at when purchasing a new device.  But once you get it home, the device’s battery often doesn’t deliver.  You find yourself running, looking for the your USB or Lightning cable, and a wall plug to keep your gadget alive.

Despite the iPad 4 with Retina Display and the iPad mini both promises 9-10 hours of battery life (depending on your activity), consumers want more. If Apple continues to improve battery life, they’ll be doing everyone a favor.   Extended battery power is amongst the most desired features from buyers, often topping the list regardless of gadget or manufacturer.

New covers

Covers are great for protecting the device, but consumers want something that has more functionality.  Like a protective cover that doubles as a keyboard, or a cover that doubles as a solar charger.  And this thoughtful combo would do more than just add value.  There’s a productivity boost that comes with a keyboard-cover offering, also relinquishing more screen real estate as the on-screen keyboard no longer obstructs the view.

Better camera

iOS 7 delivers a better camera app, and users would appreciate it more if the camera that comes with the device also gets upgraded.  Both the iPad 4 and iPad mini have a 5MP camera, and people are looking for something that would take clearer, crisper, and better photos.  Then again, maybe that’s where the iOS 7 filters come into play — the only way for the photos to look decent may be to apply filters.

More storage + microSD  

With social media and photo sharing apps dominating our lives, it’s easy to fill your device with photos.  Unfortunately Apple only offers 5GB of free iCloud space, a limit many of us surpass pretty quickly.   Other tablets have microSD slots so users can add more storage to their devices.  Consumers want more storage for Apple devices, but it seems the one thing the iPad maker is unwilling to give us is expandable storage.

USB port

Just like expandable storage, there is no USB port found on iPads.  USB ports are used to connect devices to other devices, transfer files, make backups or to connect accessories.  Apple is doesn’t like the idea of connecting things to their devices as that could introduce malware.  iCloud is Apple’s answer for people looking for storage that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, as long as you have cellular or WiFi turned on and there is an active network.  And for file sharing, you can also use iCloud, or the new AirDrop feature on iOS 7.

Checkout our all the iPad 5 news on our Smart+Connected Devices collection on Springpad.