12.9-inch iPad Air CAD drawing alludes to new camera bump

Rumors have promoted the idea that Apple will be releasing a 12.9-inch version of the iPad Air in early 2024, possibly as part of a March launch wave. In a Saturday release, renders from alleged CAD drawings of the mid-ranged tablet have appeared, giving a clue of what to expect from the new model.

The shots, distributed by 91 Mobiles and acquired from unidentified industry sources, generally show what you would expect from an increased-in-size iPad Air. Reusing the same design cues as the standard edition and the iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch iPad Air has an all-screen design, a FaceTime camera positioned for a portrait orientation, and flat edges.

Touch ID is said to continue to be kept on the Top Button as before. Also visible is a USB-C port, which matches the smaller standard size as well.

The only real difference in design is the rear camera, which now encases the camera sensor and lens with a flash in a small combined bump, instead of having a raised camera alone.

No specifications are offered regarding the size of the tablet, save for the 12.9-inch display. As for internal specifications, it is claimed to be using the M2 chip.

As with previous rumors involving CAD drawings, there is no guarantee that what is depicted is real and will end up being the final product released by Apple.

The most plausible source would be an accessory producer, who tend to create such models to develop new products in time for Apple's product launches. At best, it could be a CAD creation based on existing rumors and educational guesses that take the existing iPad Air into account.