Apple’s iPad turned 10 this year. It was first officially unveiled on stage by Steve Jobs on Jan. 27, 2010 and a lot has changed over the years even if the basic idea is the same. The current lineup includes the 10.2-inch iPad (2019, seventh-generation), 10.5-inch iPad Air (2019, third-generation) and second-gen 11- and fourth-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro models released earlier this year. There’s also the fifth-gen 2019 7.9-inch iPad mini.
Rumors have circulated of a larger entry-level iPad with thinner bezels, but it’s now clearer what that tablet might look like. The 91mobiles team has posted what it says are design schematics for the update to Apple’s more affordable iPad. If accurate, the new slate would effectively be a cut-down iPad Pro with similarly slim bezels and a boxier design. It would use Face ID instead of Touch ID, and a Smart Connector hints at possible Magic Keyboard support.
Like with earlier reports, the new iPad would reportedly revolve around a 10.8-inch screen. Apple would keep costs down by offering a single rear camera instead of the two on the Pro. It would reportedly pack USB-C as well, although it’s not certain claims of dual speakers hold up. Apple has sometimes included two grilles at the bottom even if there’s only one speaker this may be more for symmetry than functionality.
It’s not certain what kind of performance the new iPad could offer, although t’s likely to include a newer processor than the A10 from the current starter model.
As for when the new iPad might arrive? Apple is rumored to be holding its customary hardware event in mid September and might introduce the new iPad alongside the iPhone 12 series. With the COVID-19 pandemic creating chaos, however, that’s not guaranteed. There’s a chance you’ll have to wait a while.
