Case makers bet iPad 5 will be announced next week

Apple will kick off its annual developers conference next week with a keynote Monday, and the owners of two companies that make protective cases for portable devices believe the Cupertino, Calif., giant will unveil a new iPad.

Tim Hickman and David Adam, co-owners of case makers Hard Candy and Gumdrop, unveiled cases Thursday morning for the rumored Apple device.

In the world of third-party Apple accessory makers, it’s important to be among the first to release your product. That usually means you get first and most favorable rack placement at retail shops. Hickman and Adam have their cases ready in case Apple announces a new iPad.

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The company says the cases are a complete gamble and they are designed based on leaked images and information that has hit the Web over the last few months.

Although there has been speculation about what the next iPad will look like, few experts have predicted that Apple will announce one at the Worldwide Developers Conference. But Hickman and Adam have made successful bets like this before. A spokeswoman for Hard Candy said the company has previously announced accessories ahead of Apple products five times and been right four times.

The new Hard Candy and Gumdrop cases are set to go on sale June 10. Cases will be available in a variety of colors and styles, with prices ranging from $34.95 to $59.95.�

Apple’s keynote is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m.

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