Mike Peterson
Apple's expected 9th-generation iPad model will be based on the 2019 iPad Air 3's design, while no major changes are slated for the iPad Pro lineup, a new report claims.
The low-cost iPad is expected to retain a 10.2-inch display but will be noticeably thinner and lighter at 6.3mm and 460 grams, Chinese supply chain sources told Mac Otakara. The current 8th-generation model is 7.5mm thick and weighs 490 grams.
Other than a slightly reduced footprint, Mac Otakara reports that the 9th-generation iPad will carry a similar set of features to its predecessor. It'll stick with a Lightning port and a Touch ID-equipped Home button.
For its screen, the 9th-generation iPad will also continue to use a full-lamination display, anti-reflective coating, P3 wide color support, and True Tone.
Mac Otakara's sources also claimed that no major changes are coming to either the 11-inch iPad Pro or the 12.9-inch iPad Pro other than a new A-series processor.
There have been a number of rumors suggesting that Apple is working on a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro model with a mini LED display for release in 2021.
It isn't clear if that model will be a higher-end variant released alongside more incremental refreshes of the current iPad Pro lineup.
What's also unclear is when Apple will release new iPads. The 8th-generation 10.2-inch iPad debuted in September, which could suggest a fall release for its successor. In past years, Apple unveiled new low-cost iPad models in the spring.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
5 Comments
Who, exactly, is reporting this? This is anonymous, from what I see here,
I wonder if it will still have a SmartConnector? I love charging my iPad Pro 10.5-inch on the Logi Base Charging Stand with Smart Connector; but for some reason, that iPad Pro does not support spatial audio (I do not understand why not, I think that is really disappointing). I would like to get a newer iPad, but do not want to lose the "MagSafe-like" charging on the stand.
The iPad Pro is such a matured, polished device that the real innovation is going to be in software.