Apple is widely expected to announce new iPad Pro models as early as April, and in advance, accessory maker ESR has added a variety of iPad Pro cases and folios to its online store for 2021 that offer possible design cues.
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While the cases suggest that the next-generation iPad Pro will not undergo any significant design changes, ESR MacRumors has announced that there will be fewer speaker holes on the new models. This is consistent with a report from the Japanese website Mac Otakara, which claimed in January that the number of speaker holes on the new iPad Pro models will be cut by a third, although the reason for this alleged change is unclear.
A reduction of a third would work out like this:
- 11-inch iPad Pro: 13 holes per speaker → 8-9 holes per speaker
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro: 17 holes per speaker → 11-12 holes per speaker
The new iPad Pro models are still expected to include four stereo speakers, with two at the top and two at the bottom.
The new iPad Pro models are expected to be equipped with a faster A14X chip that is nearly identical to the M1 chip in the latest Macs. Last week, BloombergMark Gurman reported that the new models could also have Thunderbolt support, which is certainly plausible given that the M1 chip supports Thunderbolt on Macs. Gurman also expects improved cameras and a Mini LED display on at least the 12.9-inch model.
Mac Otakara reported that the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be about 0.5mm thicker, while the 11-inch model will apparently be the same thickness, further suggesting that a Mini LED display could be exclusive to the larger model .
The new iPad Pro is also expected to support 5G with a Qualcomm modem in cellular models.
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As noted by the French website iPhoneSoftESR has also listed new cases for third-generation AirPods that suggest Apple’s wireless charging case will be somewhat elongated, as previously rumored. The new AirPods are expected to have a similar design to the AirPods Pro, but without active noise cancellation or silicone earbuds to maintain differentiation.