Apple will refresh its standard iPad line-up later this year with a new 10.8-inch model before following up with an 8.5-inch model during H1 2021, according to a fresh leak from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple has focused its efforts on the premium iPad Pro in recent years, releasing a faster revision with support for the Magic Keyboard and trackpad accessory in 2020 just 18 months after the third-gen model brought full-screen displays and other new tech.
Apple is now ready to update its more affordable tablets with a new 10.8-inch model in either Q3 or Q4 of this year.
The size is slightly larger than the current 10.2-inch iPad and 10.5-inch iPad Air, so it seems that Apple may bring the slimmer bezels and updated design to the standard models moving forward.
Kuo then expects the 8.5-inch model to replace the iPad Mini during H1 2021.
This size is also bigger than the 7.9-inch displays that have featured in every iPad Mini since its inception, again pointing to a design refresh.
While there are no specifics on tech specs, rumours suggest that the two new iPads will be powered by Apple’s latest mobile chip, the A14, which is used in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.
In what would be a surprise move after news that Apple may be dropping the charger and wired earbuds from the upcoming iPhone 12, Kuo said that a fast-charging 20W adapter could be bundled with the new iPads.
Close rival Samsung also recently announced its plans for its tablet line this year.
It wants to release a higher-end 12.4-inch Galaxy Tab S7 Plus that can go up against Apple’s iPad Pro and a smaller 11-inch Tab S7 that will go toe to toe with the normal iPad.