The rumor mill for the next-generation iPad has already started churning and many speculations have already been made regarding the hardware specifications. Now, a concept design of the iPad 5 has emerged and shows what the next-gen Apple tablet will probably look like.

Designer Martin Hajek, also known as Martin uit Utrecht, has shared some 3D renderings of what could be the iPad 5.

"According to sources the design of the new iPad will follow the design language of the iPad mini. This 3D model was based on the accurate model which I made of the iPad mini but keeping the same display size as the large iPad," said Martin (via 3DExport).

Martin has given the iPad 5 a thinner bezel and a flatter back side. Since the screen size of the iPad 5 is likely stay the same at 9.7-inch, the width of the device has been trimmed down by 17mm. The height has also been reduced by a marginal 4mm. Finally, the thickness has also been shaved off by 2mm when compared to the current iPad 4.

Martin further added, "This fully UV-mapped model comes complete with detailed bump-maps and even maps to simulate dust and fingerprints!"

If rumors are to be believed, then the fifth generation iPad will be announced at an Apple event in March along with iPad mini 2.

The iPad still retains the crown in the highly competitive tablet market. However, to retain the top position, Apple will have to enhance the current models with better hardware and an even more impressive exterior. If the next-generation iPad is thinner, faster, and with a better display, then undoubtedly iPads will continue to rule the tablet industry.

The designs created by Martin are very impressive, but we will have wait to see what design Apple eventually sticks to for the iPad 5.