Let’s try and see if we can validate some and disprove other rumors floating around the Internet pertaining to Apple’s next-generation iPad. Jeremy Horwitz, the Editor-in-Chief over at iLounge, claims to have gotten up close and personal with a rear shell from Apple’s next-generation iPad 3. It is thanks to this speculative hands-on experience that reveals some of the details of the unannounced tablet. One of his first claims is that the device is barely thicker than the previous generation, measuring only in at a 1mm increase. This is in line with many other reports claiming that the next iPad will be thicker.

In addition to the rear shell, Horwitz also witnessed the device’s front glass bezel:

The new iPad’s body is so slightly thicker than the iPad 2 that the change is unnoticeable on first inspection; a roughly 1mm increase will barely be perceptible to users. We’ve heard that the only accessories that might have issues are cases, and then, only cases that were precisely contoured to fit the iPad 2’s back. On the rear, the camera in the upper left corner has become bigger—noticeably so when placed alongside the iPad 2, but not so huge that anyone would think they were different at a distance. The new camera hole is silver-ringed, and does in fact look the same size as the iPhone 4S’s much-improved rear camera system, minus the LED flash.

In addition to the change in camera, his reports also touches on the physical placement of the hardware buttons, which include the home button, volume slider, power button, headphone jack and the Apple 30-pin connector. He noticed that all of these are in the same place as the iPad 2 which will be useful for manufacturers of the countless different types of accessories on the market for an iPad.

While this may not be what the final tablet looks like, as Horwitz does mention that the rear shell he looked at, appeared to be produced at least six months beforehand. While many sources (Digitimes to name one) have become less and less valid when it comes to any rumors or claims related to Apple products, Horwitz did managed to get a hands-on with the rear shell of the iPad 2 prior to announcement last year. This rear shell he looked at was nearly identical to the final release design of the iPad 2

While it is good news to see that things are coming together in regards to the manufacturing and production of the iPad 3, we will still have to wait and see what other curve balls Apple may through in the mix, such as Gorilla Glass 2, Retina Display, and Siri on their next-generation iPad.

What feature would you like to see most in the next iPad? Tell us what ones you want in the comment section below.