Per a series of leaks, the next-gen iPad could borrow some of the design elements and features from the iPad Pro series. The allegedly leaked design schematics sports thinner bezels, sensors intended for Face ID, and supposed support for the Magic Keyboard.
Apple launched its seventh-generation iPad in September 2019, with it sporting a larger 10.2-inch Retina display and support for the full-size Smart Keyboard. In what could be an indicator for other products that may launch alongside the anticipated “iPhone 12” in September, schematics claiming to show the next iPad suggest it may gain another facelift.
The images, leaked by 91Mobiles, depict an iPad with a 10.8-inch display, that apparently correlates with other rumors and speculation. To match the larger screen, Apple could use some of the design language of the iPad Pro to offer a thinner bezel.
A transition to a thinner bezel design would mean the loss of Touch ID, as the images don’t seem to offer a Home button of any sort. Other rumors have stated that the Touch ID sensor could be moved to the power button. Other changes could include a more gradual curve as opposed to a flatter design as well as a USB-C port for charging, four microphones, and dual speakers, and perhaps a second grille for design symmetry.
On the back, instead of a camera bump, it will apparently have the same single-camera setup as previous models. There is also seemingly no sign of the LiDAR element found on the Pro models.
An additional claim highlights magnetic connectors, which could be present to offer Magic Keyboard support.
The report claims the schematics show an eighth-generation iPad, but other rumors have also suggested it could be an iPad Air 4. As the third-generation iPad Air launched in March 2019, it remains a possibility that the schematics show that model instead.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and 91Mobiles