If you’ve been pining over a new iPad since it was introduced in March 2018 and you haven’t been able to replace your aging Apple tablet just yet, now might be a good time to do so. After releasing a brand new iPad Pro in 2018 and updating the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil support in 2018, and now with news that Apple will discontinue its iPad Mini line, the company could release several new best Apple iPads in the coming years.
Unfortunately, that could be a difficult proposition. Several iPhone and Mac models have received refreshes and plenty of tablets have been introduced that we’ve never heard of. So to give you some indication of what to expect. We’ve put together a rundown of all the upcoming iPads Apple has in the pipeline. From new versions of iPads with Face ID to refreshed models of the iPad Pro. Here’s everything you should know about Apple’s upcoming tablet offerings.
The AirPower
Apple hasn’t yet announced a refresh of its AirPower wireless charging mat but we know it’s coming. Sources familiar with the matter tell Bloomberg that Apple plans to release an updated version of the mat in 2019. The company will reportedly add a USB-C connector to the charging pad. Which would allow for the mat to charge multiple devices at the same time.
Per Bloomberg, Apple hasn’t committed to a release date for the AirPower mat. So a concrete time frame for a launch hasn’t been determined.
Rumored iPad Pro updates
For many years, Apple’s iPad Pro models were the only entry point to the company’s iPad lineup. However, that’s been changing of late. Starting with the iPad Pro 2018. Apple has added a selection of lower-priced iPad Pro models that begin at $329 for the iPad Pro 9.7-inch model and go up to $559 for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch model. And starting with the 2018 iPad Pro, Apple has also introduced Apple Pencil support to the iPad Pro line.
With the first iPad Pro models being so expensive. Apple has to keep making updates to them to keep the iPad Pro lineup competitive.
While Apple hasn’t officially announced the refreshed models, here’s what some analysts are predicting Apple will add to the iPad Pro lineup in 2019.
Apple is expected to introduce a third generation iPad Pro (12.9-inch model) that drops the signature 10.5-inch screen size in favor of the new 12.9-inch model that it released in 2018. The new iPad Pro is also rumored to drop the signature speaker grille in favor of a Face ID-integrated speaker system that includes a 7-mic array.
Moving on to 2020, Apple is expected to add a seventh-generation iPad Pro (10.5-inch model) to its lineup that reportedly features updated internals.
Bottom Line
By 2021, it appears Apple will be getting ready to launch a redesigned iPad Pro model that will follow the new iPad Pro lineup released in 2019. The rumored model will reportedly feature a larger display, an iPhone X-like design, Face ID support, and improved internals. An updated version of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro might also be released in 2021. According to rumors, the new iPad Pro model will feature a slimmer bezel than the one featured on the iPhone XR.