Apple's next-generation iPad Pro is expected to debut in April with a big performance boost, Thunderbolt compatibility and, for the largest-screened model, a Mini LED display.
Citing sources famliar with the matter, Bloomberg reports the updated iPad Pro models will be powered by a new A-series variant that is as performant as the M1 chip currently found in the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and Mac mini.
While the 11- and 12.9-inch tablets are predicted to carry over a design from 2020, Apple could incorporate new internal technologies like Thunderbolt connectivity. The faster I/O protocol was deployed in testing and could make it to production models for compatibility with speedy external hard drives and displays, the report says.
Finally, Apple is working to incorporate Mini LED technology in the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, offering better local dimming, color reproduction and contrast ratios than conventional LCD screens.
Beyond iPad Pro, today's report claims Apple is developing a thinner and lighter base iPad for release later this year, as well as an iPad mini refresh with a larger screen.
As usual, most of Bloomberg's information echoes months-old predictions first aired by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and other industry insiders. In September, Kuo said iPad Pro would be the first Apple device to benefit from Mini LED, while a Mac Otakara report in January claimed the tech would be limited to the larger 12.9-inch model. Earlier today, a report from DigiTimes suggested a Mini LED iPad Pro would ship in April at the earliest.
Apple will likely introduce the new iPad Pro line at a special event in the coming weeks, though the company has yet to announce such a gathering.
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