The inexpensive ninth-generation iPad that Apple is expected to debut in 2021 will have a design based on the third-generation iPad Air introduced by Apple in 2019, reports Mac Otakara, citing Chinese sources in the supply chain.
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The screen size is expected to remain the same at 10.2 inches, but it will be “significantly thinner” at 6.3mm. The current eighth generation iPad is 7.5mm thick, so a 6.3mm chassis would represent a major design change. It is also expected to be lighter at 460 grams versus the current weight of 490 grams.
Mac Otakara says the device will continue to have a Touch ID Home button and a Lightning port, with Apple refusing to switch to USB-C. It is expected to have a full laminate screen, anti-reflective coating, P3 wide color support and True Tone.
In addition to the ninth generation iPad, Mac Otakara has some details on the next generation of iPad Pro models. Mac Otakara says the upcoming refresh won’t see the changes in screen size or case, but that the performance of the A-series chip could be “significantly improved”.
Mac Otakara does not mention the rumored 12.9-inch iPad Pro model that is expected to have a mini LED display, suggesting that this may be a standalone high-end model sold alongside updated iPad Pro- models that receive a more standard renewal. Many of the iPad Pro rumors we’ve heard so far have also focused heavily on the 12.9-inch model, suggesting that it will indeed be a more expensive version.
In December, a rumor from the Chinese website cnBeta repeated much of what Mac Otakara he said today, claiming that the next-generation nextiPad will have a 10.5-inch display, an A13 Bionic chip and 4 GB of RAM.
That rumor suggested that the new iPad might get a lower price, with Apple selling it for $ 299 instead of $ 329. There are rumors of the iPad refresh for spring 2021, but that may be an optimistic estimate. since the eighth generation iPad was released in September.