Roger Fingas
Apple is not only working on 10.2- and 10.5-inch iPads, but planning to ship them at separate times, a reputable leaker claimed on Wednesday.
Known publicly as "CoinX," the leaker didn't offer any other details, such as features or narrower launch windows. He did refer to the 10.2-inch iPad as the "iPad 7" however, and said the 10.5-inch model isn't a Pro. 2018 iPad Pros come in 11- and 12.9-inch sizes.
CoinX's record includes predicting that one of the 2018 iPad Pros would be 5.9 millimeters thick, and most notably exposing the names of the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.
Casting doubt on the latest rumor is that based on Apple's history, it's unlikely Apple would launch two iPads in such similar dimensions. Apple is rumored to be replacing its 9.7-inch "budget" iPad with a 10.2-inch model, yet it already has a 10.5-inch option in the form of 2017's iPad Pro, still on sale.
Conceivably Apple could position an updated 10.5-inch model in the mid-range, with superior performance to the "budget" line but without some Pro perks.
Apple has also been rumored as planning a fifth-generation iPad mini. That product is mostly expected to be an internal spec upgrade, in which case it would have to keep a 7.9-inch display.
New iPads could make an appearance at a March 25 press event. The focus, though, should be on a video streaming service and Apple News Magazines.
Christine McKee
Andrew Orr
Charles Martin
Marko Zivkovic
Wesley Hilliard
33 Comments
Do not give us another pricing tier for new iPads. The mid tier is occupied by pervious gen 10.5 iPad Pro. Unless Apple plans to stop selling year old iPads than there’s no need to saturate their own product line. Idealistically, it would be nice to hit a price point of ~$550 for mid tier.
LOW - iPad 6: $329
MID - 2017 10.5 iPad Pro: $649
HIGH - 2018 11 iPad Pro: $799
I have a hard time believing Apple will follow through with all these sizes. If they do resurrect the mini (as expected) then 4 sizes at most.
7.9 mini
9.7 -> 10.2 budget?
10.5 pro
12.9 pro
I’d rather see the 9.7 become the mini size without the bezels. If the 10.2 becomes the same size as the old 9.7 with reduced bezels that would be a nice budget machine.
The 9.7 could actually be more expensive than the 10.2.
The 7.9 mini seems a waste with the larger iPhones...
Would be delighted if they came out with an iPad Pro 17” model.