Pictures claiming to be the rear casing of the fifth-generation iPad have surfaced. If the pictures are authentic, it looks like Apple has dramatically reduced the size of its full-sized iPad and has given it an iPad mini-esque makeover in the process.

9to5mac has posted pictures of the alleged fifth-generation iPad's rear case. If the pictures are to be believed, Apple has reduced the overall size of the fifth-generation iPad without sacrificing the gorgeous 9.7-inch Retina Display on the device. Sources claim that this is a prototype back case of the fifth-generation iPad. It is described as being almost as thin as the iPad mini.

Apple appears to be standardizing the designs of its current iOS lineup with design inspiration that began with the iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch which launched in September. Apple gave both devices a re-design that introduced thinner casings, chamfered edges, and a smaller overall footprint. Apple then announced the iPad mini in October and it followed the same design process. The design proved to be a success as the iPad mini quickly became the iPad of choice for many people who loved the thin case and overall smaller size of the mini.

When Apple introduced the iPhone 5, it released a commercial called "Physics" putting the spotlight on the new design of the iPhone 5. It played up the fact that the device got bigger, yet smaller and that there's more of it, and less of it. Don't be surprised to see Apple use the same kind of logic when describing the fifth-generation iPad. It's another clear example of Apple's design expertise when it comes to refining its product designs without making any sacrifices to the overall features people have fallen in love with. In the iPad 5's case, it's the 9.7-inch Retina Display.

Apple has once again made something bigger, yet smaller, and it's going to be huge.