Apple tablet prototype seen in late slip

Apple's tablet may have finally been spotted in a leak of what appears to be a prototype within the company. The hardware, which isn't in final casing, is clearly running iPhone OS but at a much higher resolution; it's shown running Google Maps but with a navigation bar that hasn't been seen before. The contact also shows Engadget that it will have cellular service as it has a "no service" label and that the device will have a home button sized like an iPhone's.

A front camera may also be on view but isn't yet confirmed.

Alongside the images, an additional source backs rumored descriptions of the device as resembling an early iPhone with an aluminum MacBook-like back behind its 10-inch display. Notably, they also reference the K48 codename for the tablet and say the device will be high-priced, at $800 on a contract for Verizon 3G and $1,000 without. AT&T hasn't been mentioned so far.

This supposed insider also makes potentially significant claims that Apple will launch iLife '10 at the event, hinting at a possible creativity link between the Mac software and the tablet. They further support a still contentious screen leak sent to Electronista that claims Apple will have a Verizon iPhone, although it's not certain that a CDMA smartphone will actually be ready for the mid-day event.

MacBook Pro updates aren't slated to appear in this leak.

Live coverage of the event, which should introduce at least the tablet, is due to start here at 10AM Pacific (1PM Eastern).

By Electronista Staff

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iPhone, gadgets, Verizon, Google, AT&T, tablet, iLife, Apple