Two new iPad models spotted in regulatory database
William GallagherUsing iPad Pro and Apple Pencil
Two unannounced iPads have now been listed on a regulatory database, which are expected to be the long-rumored new iPad Pro or iPad Air.
As happened with the iPhone 15 in August 2023, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) appears to be the first regulatory body to list new iPad models. The entry is for two models, and it means that they have passed the tests they must before they are allowed to be sold in that territory.
First spotted by 91mobiles, there is practically no detail being shown publicly yet. The BIS listing purely says that there are new iPads made by Apple, and lists two model numbers, A2836 and A2837.
Consequently, it's not possible to determine whether these are the expected iPad Pro or iPad Air models. The fact that there are two with sequential numbers suggests that it's one device that comes in two screen sizes, or one device with Wi-Fi and the other with Wi-Fi and 5G.
Previously, only the iPad Pro has come in two sizes. It has been repeatedly rumored, however, that the next iPad Air is going to come in two sizes.
What's least likely is that India's database listing refers to both the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. Based on previous experience BIS appears to treat different sizes as entirely different models for testing, as do all regulators.
Previous rumors have consistently claimed that there will multiple iPads releasing shortly, though the date of that keeps changing.
Separately, recent reports have claimed that Apple has ordered 8.5 million OLED display panels for the new iPad Pro. It's believed that this is the number Apple expects to sell over the whole of 2024.
Where the biggest update to the iPad Air would be the rumored increase in display size with a 12.9-inch model. For the iPad Pro, it's the move to an OLED screen that is likely to be the big differentiator from previous models.
OLED displays are brighter than current screens and they are thinner because they do not require backlighting. However, they are sufficiently costly to make that it's been predicted the price of the new iPad Pro will be much higher than before.
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4 Comments
Apple have made some puzzling decisions with recent iPad releases. Cheaper models with features people want on the Pro model, limited differentiation between models and a confusing mess of accessory compatibility limitations.
Hopefully, the long wait for new models means that Apple have taken the time to resolve the problems. I think the Air might be ready, if it is they need to hold it until the Pro is ready because if they release a new Air that is better than the current Pro people will lose their minds.
Here is my two cents on iPad.
iPad Air - The current pro could be an air. no high refresh rate (most people won't notice).
iPad Pro - OLED display high refresh rate, maybe a new design on the back. Magsafe and USB C. Runs full Mac OS and All iPad apps (no developer choice). could be a little ticker to accommodate the extra battery.
M2 for Air