Six 2018 iPad Pro models spotted in app analytics data

More signs that new iPad Pro models are on the way have surfaced, with an app analytics platform claiming to see logs of model identifiers for unreleased models for the tablet, labels that seemingly correlate with other rumors about the 2018 refresh.

Mobile analytics firm Appsee claims the model identifiers "iPad8,1," "iPad8,2," "iPad8,3," "iPad8,4," "iPad8,5," and "iPad8,8" have recently started to appear on its platform. The identifiers first surfaced on Monday, with the identifiers in the latest report joined by two other labels, namely the missing two from the set: "iPad8,6" and "iPad8,7"

Appsee has yet to spot any references to "iPad8,6" or "iPad8,7" in its logs, but it is likely that the models still exist, if not being used in a way that it could be seen by third-party analytics systems.

The logs also suggest there are two different resolutions of iPad Pro display in use, and that they are the same as the existing 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch models. While the logs indicate the potential resolution, it isn't able to determine the physical dimensions of each device, which rumors suggest could have a similar screen size but with a smaller bezel, resulting in an overall reduction in size, or for the 10.5-inch model to have a bigger 11-inch screen while staying physically similar to its predecessor.

The lower four model identifiers apparently have the resolution of 1,112 by 834 points and the upper two have 1,366 by 1,024 points. As the iPad Pro use a high-resolution @2x modifier, MacRumors reports, the actual resolutions are doubled, resulting in 2,224 by 1,668 and 2,732 by 2,048 respectively.

The figures also suggest the screens will have the same 4:3 aspect ratios as the current models, despite any potential changes in size.

Rumors suggest the 2018 iPad Pro will use Face ID instead of the Home Button, borrowing the concept used in the iPhone XS. Rather than using the notch aesthetic, the tablets are likely to insert the TrueDepth camera system into the bezel.

It is also rumored the new models will be capable of supporting 4K HDR output to external displays and TVs, using an integrated USB-C port. A new Settings panel will apparently enable control over the outputted resolution, brightness, and enabling and disabling HDR. Other rumors have hinted at Apple replacing Lightning with USB-C to support higher bandwidth applications.

There is also the suggestion the Smart Connector will be replaced by a new "Magnetic Connector, repositioned to the rear and close to the base of the device. The new connector could support new accessories beyond the usual keyboard, though what these could be remain unknown.

Apple is expected to announce a new slate of iPad Pro models at a special event later this month. Check out AppleInsider's analysis of the presumed October event for more details.

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24 Comments

ElCapitan 6 Years · 372 comments

About 6 years ago

On these new models the notch will rotate with the screen orientation, so you always have one centered in the top middle of your screen. B)

curtis hannah 12 Years · 1834 comments

ElCapitan said:

On these new models the notch will rotate with the screen orientation, so you always have one centered in the top middle of your screen. B)

Maybe it’s just me, but I see no point to the notch coming to iPads. Achieving the same screen to body ratio on the iPad as the iPhones should allow enough bezel to shove the camera and other stuff into the screen. They are also a 4:3 ratio not needing a weird ratio like the iPhone.

greenmeenie 9 Years · 91 comments

curtis hannah said:

ElCapitan said:

On these new models the notch will rotate with the screen orientation, so you always have one centered in the top middle of your screen. B)

Maybe it’s just me, but I see no point to the notch coming to iPads. Achieving the same screen to body ratio on the iPad as the iPhones should allow enough bezel to shove the camera and other stuff into the screen. They are also a 4:3 ratio not needing a weird ratio like the iPhone.

Yeah, I don’t think you have to worry about that. Pretty much 100% of the rumors are suggesting there won’t be a notch on the next iPad pros. The thinner bezels will be large enough to House the face ID cameras.

tht 23 Years · 5654 comments

There is no guarantee that all those models will ship. There could just be four.

iPad Pro 12.9 WiFi
iPad Pro 12.9 WiFi+Cellular
iPad Pro 10.5 WiFi
iPad Pro 10.5 WiFi+Cellular

Maybe another 2 would be

iPad Pro 11 WiFi
iPad Pro 11 WiFi+Cellular

Making 6 model numbers. The missing two model numbers could have been a model that never made it passed EVT. Then, they could decide not to ship either the 10.5 or the 11 pending how they feel which on is the better product. Or it could be that they use different ID.

Good thing is that model numbers with “8,x” likely means either A11X, A12 or A12X SoCs.

seascape195 6 Years · 1 comment

Needs 5G support and storage capacity that STARTS at 256gig (256, 500 & 1TB). Those 4K video's are HUGE.

From a software standpoint, needs to be able to set the video capture resolution (to limit storage space use, can set to a lower resolution -- but hopefully nothing less than 720p, e.g. 720, 1080, 4K)

From an OS standpoint, needs to add on/off to the quick tools for Cellular (like it already had for turning Wifi on/off).. big pet peeve for cellular models is lacking that feature there, so that you dont have to go into the Settings screen to turn it on/off. I even drafted a proof of concept (albeit based on the former screen iOS use to use -- I added the Cellular tower with an added concept of lighting up the LTE if connected to a LTE signal and ON/OFF labels under each to help enhance telling you its on or off (which might seem redundant at first, but its actually more intuitive info to include).