iPad 5 Release Date: October 1 Launch Date Set for Apple Inc. (APPL) iPads, iPods at Staples, Could Signal iPad 5 Coming Soon

Retailer Staples is set to sell Apple Inc.'s devices starting in October for U.S. consumers.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple and Staples reached a deal to sell iPads and iPods starting Oct. 1, and it includes sales on Staples' online store.

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The deal is important in the U.S. as Staples in Canada have already sold iPads on its website.

The latest Apple-Staples deal comes as accessories from the Cupertino-based organization started to sell in the retailer earlier this year. Sources familiar with the deal stated the Apple accessories, such as Apple TV, keyboards, AirPort wireless routers and Magic Mouse, to name a few, served as a launching pad for the Oct. 1 release.

"While Staples is said to be excited about carrying the iPad and iPod online, the company has greater aspirations. The source says that Staples would like to be able to sell the iPad directly from its brick-and-mortar chain by early next year. In order for Apple to agree to this, Staples will need to refer a certain amount of online iPad sales to its customers weekly until the end of 2013," reported 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman.

With the October launch, Staples stores are expected to construct in-store kiosks to further promote the devices.

October is also the rumored month for the fifth-generation 9.7-inch iPad.

As Latinos Post reported, IHS iSuppli stated its supply chain checks have the iPad 5 tablet on track for an October launch date. The iPad mini 2, however, is "not yet at levels that would indicative of a simultaneous release."

In regards to potential iPad 5 features, the iPad 5 is expected to have design similar to the iPad mini. The Wall Street Journal reported Apple will use the same touch-panel technology seen on the iPad mini for the iPad 5.

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For the latest updates, follow Latinos Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO

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