With rumors circulating about an upcoming iPad Pro refresh, which may be announced as part of an alleged Apple event on Tuesday, March 23, it appears that at least one accessory maker has already begun preparations.
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A photo shared on Reddit today shows what appears to be a Speck folio listed as compatible with an unannounced 2021 model of the 11-inch iPad Pro, alongside older models of the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 10.9-inch iPad Air. The user who submitted the photo said they found the folio on the shelf at Target, but when they tried to purchase it, the POS system said the item won’t be available for sale until April 6.
While the packaging doesn’t explicitly state that the new 11-inch iPad is a Pro model, that’s almost certainly the device it would refer to, as no other upcoming iPad is reported to have an 11-inch display. For example, the ninth-generation iPad would have a 10.5-inch display, just like the third-generation iPad Air.
While it’s hard to draw firm conclusions from photos like this, Speck may have learned that the next 11-inch iPad Pro will have nearly identical dimensions to the current model. This wouldn’t be too surprising given that there have been no rumors of a major redesign for the next iPad Pro, with major new features expected to include a Mini LED display, a faster A14X chip and 5G support on mobile models. include.
We also wouldn’t read too much about Target’s alleged April 6 sale date for the Speck folio, but at least it’s in the late March through early April range for the next iPad Pro update reported by DigiTimes earlier today.
Interestingly, most rumors have only mentioned a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro and not an 11-inch model, but the devices are usually updated at the same time. March is a normal month for Apple to announce new or updated products, with other rumors including the highly anticipated AirTags, a new Apple TV, new AirPods, and more Apple silicone Macs.
Apple last updated its iPad Pro lineup in March 2020 with a slightly improved A12Z chip, an ultra-wide camera, a LiDAR scanner and better-sounding microphones.
(Thanks, Greg!)