In June, prominent analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple will revamp its entry-level iPad in late 2020, increasing its size from 10.2 inches to 10.8 inches. As we wrote at the time, this change signals a move to an iPad Pro design with a much reduced screen-to-bezel ratio.
If the new leak from 91mobiles proves to be accurate, these predictions appear to be correct. The site claims to have obtained schematics of the iPad scheduled for a 2020 release from a "reliable source," and yes, it really does look like an iPad Pro with one sensible reduction.
First, this schematic shows a single camera on the back, whereas the current iPad Pro has dual arrays and LiDAR. How many people use tablets for photography?
Otherwise, the schematic shows a device with great potential. The bezel is thinner to allow for a larger screen. And while Touch ID is gone, with no fingerprint reader visible on the front or back, the schematic shows the complex camera array required for Apple's superior authentication technology, Face ID.
There are a few other interesting things to note. First, there appears to be a smart connector on the back, which according to 91mobiles will be compatible with the Magic Keyboard. Second, Apple says that the Lightning cable will be eliminated in favor of a USB-C like the recent Pro models. Finally, the schematic depicts two speaker grilles at the bottom, but this may not be to guarantee improved sound, but simply to make it symmetrical.
The site has not revealed anything about specifications, but given that the current 2019 iPad is still powered by the Apple A10 chip that powered the iPhone 7 in 2016, it is almost certain that the new model will be up to speed. While it may be optimistic to hope that the entry-level tablet will share the upcoming iPhone 12's A14 chip, it may at least be able to keep up with the iPad mini's A12 Bionic.
Last year's iPad was announced early in 2019, so hopefully we'll get a good look at the new tablet before the iPhone 12 is announced this fall. Early reports said that the 2020 event would be postponed due to the coronavirus, but the latest word is that the event will go on as planned, even if the devices themselves will hit store shelves a bit later.
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