With the 10th-generation iPads just around the corner, the rumor mill is, quite expectedly, working overtime.
While Apple is still keeping most of the minute details a secret, certain design features have leaked, as is usually the case around this time of year. From the information made available by trusty insiders, it would seem that massive design changes await the latest rendition of the iPad.
10th-Generation iPad Arrives in the Following Months
It is not, as of yet, certain when the 10th generation iPads will hit the shelves. Conflicting rumors indicate that both September and October launches are possible. However, there is reliable information that the next-gen iPads are already in production, meaning the first devices could become available as early as September.
Even if that were the case, Chinese government restrictions on power consumption might slow down the production and limit the quantities of iPads made available. Limited stocks could also impact prices, so it’s best to wait and see how heat waves in China, where Apple gets all its iPads from, and the subsequent power restrictions will affect Apple’s bottom line.
Entry-Level Device Gets Premium Treatment
The 10th-generation iPads are entry-level devices that couldn’t traditionally compare with the prestigiousness of all the other devices Apple churns out every year. This time around, it seems like they’ve been given major design updates to align the iPads with the rest of Apple’s products.
It’s expected that the next generation iPads will feature slightly larger displays, while more impactful design changes will be visible on their side and backs. Rumors suggest that the entry-level iPad will now have flat edges, much like all the other Apple offerings. What likely won’t change are classic fat bezels all around and the Touch ID sensor, which is a curious design decision.
Another significant change to the design of the 10th generation iPads is the long overdue removal of legacy connectors. Apple has been fairly stubborn and overly protective of their Lightning ports, which will finally give way to objectively better USB-C ports. Users will have to shift to second-generation- generation Apple Pencils, as the first gen relies solely on the Lightning ports.
The other legacy connector that will meet its end with the latest iPad release is the 3.5mm headphone jack. It’s safe to say that this design choice will result in a bit of pushback, but the decision seems final.
Just as importantly, there is a good chance that the next-gen iPads will be powered by A14 Bionic processors, enabling 5G connectivity for cellular models, even on entry-level devices.
Apple Changes to 10th-Generation iPads Still Veiled in Secrecy
All of this amounts to noteworthy changes in the product design of the 10th-generation iPads. It isn’t clear how Apple’s loyal customer base will respond to some of the changes, the most controversial of which is the elimination of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Given the limited production capacities and all the uncertainty regarding the release date, it’s best to wait and see what Apple has in store for its audience this year.
Regardless of how things pan out with the entry-level iPads, Apple’s fanbase has iPad Pro 2022 and iPhone 14 to look out for. Fall is the best time of the year to be an Apple fan, and this year won’t be any different.
