All iPads 10.8” iPad

[JPack]

Again, nothing preventing Apple from doing exactly the same thing with the hypothetical 10.8" iPad. Similar outside shell, different internal layout.

They could even just leave the extra space empty or fill it with plastic or metal spacers if they so desire. Note that the Air 3 only has stereo speakers, not quad. It seems like Apple put some plastic spacers where the top speakers were located on the Pro 10.5.

Apple increased the size of the basic iPad to 10.2" so it will be compatible with the Smart Keyboard that the Air 3 and Pro 10.5 use. I honestly don't see much point in them changing the shell again unless it's for a similar purpose (Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2 compatibility). Having the same accessories shared across the various models would also make iPad upgrades and the decision to buy these expensive accessories easier.

Instead of using the 10.5" chassis, Apple chose to enlarge the 9.7" chassis to fit 10.2". That suggests the cost of enlarging the 9.7" chassis for 10.2" was still less expensive than reusing the 10.5" chassis. Not only that, the 9.7/10.2" chassis contains a bigger battery compared to 10.5". I don't see the logic in using or reworking a 10.5" chassis given all the downsides. If Apple intended to do so, they would have used the 10.5" chassis for the 10.2" model in the first place.

Apple accessories are extremely high margin and have limited production runs. Most people buying the $329 9.7/10.2/10.8" iPad aren't likely to have a Smart Keyboard to begin with. Again, I don't see the logic in using an ill-fitted chassis with spacers just to accommodate accessories. The ratio iPad buyers to Apple Smart Keyboard buyers is probably something like 8:1.

 

[rui no onna]

Instead of using the 10.5" chassis, Apple chose to enlarge the 9.7" chassis to fit 10.2". That suggests the cost of enlarging the 9.7" chassis for 10.2" was still less expensive than reusing the 10.5" chassis. Not only that, the 9.7/10.2" chassis contains a bigger battery compared to 10.5". I don't see the logic in using or reworking a 10.5" chassis given all the downsides. If Apple intended to do so, they would have used the 10.5" chassis for the 10.2" model in the first place.

The chassis for the iPad Pro 10.5 was pretty much just an enlarged iPad Pro 9.7/Air 2 chassis and those were just thinner versions of the OG iPad Air chassis to begin with.

Besides, Apple couldn't use the 10.5" chassis for the 10.2" model as-is due to the thicker laminated display. Apple just retained the internal layout of the iPad 6 for the iPad 7. In terms of chassis dimensions, the iPad 7 is the same as iPad Air 3 apart for thickness (hence, ASK compatibility). To reiterate, talking about just the outside/external chassis here, not internals.

Apple accessories are extremely high margin and have limited production runs. Most people buying the $329 9.7/10.2/10.8" iPad aren't likely to have a Smart Keyboard to begin with. Again, I don't see the logic in using an ill-fitted chassis with spacers just to accommodate accessories. The ratio iPad buyers to Apple Smart Keyboard buyers is probably something like 8:1.

Apple is already doing this with the iPad Air 3. Very similar chassis to the Pro 10.5 except with plastic spacers in-lieu of the two top speakers. Mind, I think A12-based iPad for $329 + $129 Apple Pencil 2 (big improvement over AP1) is probably going to be a pretty attractive and affordable combo.

 

[JPack]

The chassis for the iPad Pro 10.5 was pretty much just an enlarged iPad Pro 9.7/Air 2 chassis and those were just thinner versions of the OG iPad Air chassis to begin with.

The 10.5" and 9.7" iPad Pro chassis is entirely different internally compared to the Air 1 and Air 2 chassis. Please take a look at the chassis first.

Besides, Apple couldn't use the 10.5" chassis for the 10.2" model as-is due to the thicker laminated display. Apple just retained the internal layout of the iPad 6 for the iPad 7. In terms of chassis dimensions, the iPad 7 is the same as iPad Air 3 apart for thickness (hence, ASK compatibility). To reiterate, talking about just the outside/external chassis here, not internals.

Apple had two options for 10.2". a) increase thickness of 10.5" chassis, or b) enlarge 9.7". Apple chose option B. What I'm trying to emphasize is Apple had two options. Both required changes. Why did they choose B?

I recognize you're saying ASK compatibility is important. But that's not physically possible with the 10.8" display. Unless the aspect ratio is changed, a 10.8" display doesn't fit in the 10.5" chassis, which means a new ASK is needed. So Apple is presented with two options again. Why would they choose A this time?

Apple is already doing this with the iPad Air 3. Very similar chassis to the Pro 10.5 except with plastic spacers in-lieu of the two top speakers. Mind, I think A12-based iPad for $329 + $129 Apple Pencil 2 (big improvement over AP1) is probably going to be a pretty attractive and affordable combo.

The iPad Air 3 is a low-volume product that sells for $499. It is literally a continuation of the iPad Pro 10.5 with minimum effort.

The 10.8" iPad is a high-volume product priced at $329. Every dollar counts. It's unlikely Apple will settle for using an expensive and modified Air 3 chassis for a $329 product.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

In terms of chassis dimensions, the iPad 7 is the same as iPad Air 3 apart for thickness

Yes, you’re right

 

[rui no onna]

The 10.5" and 9.7" iPad Pro chassis is entirely different internally compared to the Air 1 and Air 2 chassis. Please take a look at the chassis first.



Apple had two options for 10.2". a) increase thickness of 10.5" chassis, or b) enlarge 9.7". Apple chose option B. What I'm trying to emphasize is Apple had two options. Both required changes. Why did they choose B?

I recognize you're saying ASK compatibility is important. But that's not physically possible with the 10.8" display. Unless the aspect ratio is changed, a 10.8" display doesn't fit in the 10.5" chassis, which means a new ASK is needed. So Apple is presented with two options again. Why would they choose A this time?




The iPad Air 3 is a low-volume product that sells for $499. It is literally a continuation of the iPad Pro 10.5 with minimum effort.

The 10.8" iPad is a high-volume product priced at $329. Every dollar counts. It's unlikely Apple will settle for using an expensive and modified Air 3 chassis for a $329 product.

I'm not saying they're going to go with Air 3 chassis on the new iPad at all. Mind 10.8" iPad with iPad Pro 11 aspect ratio would technically fit if it didn't have huge bezels to accommodate TouchID.

Same as the OP, I see a likelihood of switching to the flat iPad Pro 11 style chassis for both 10.8" basic iPad and 11" Air 4 so that they're all Apple Pencil 2 compatible. Difference being the 10.8" iPad would have bigger bezels and be thicker. Kinda similar to what happened with Air 3 and iPad 10.2.

The chassis is just the metal shell. You're conflating the chassis with component layout.

I expect the internal component layout has more to do with parts and connectors used (a lot of which are just glued). It'll probably be cheaper for Apple if they could recycle the same internal layout on all iPad models in the same size class. Alas, the 10.2" iPad still has separate digitizer and LCD (and I expect so will the rumored 10.8" iPad) so that's gonna factor in to component layout. That said, there's nothing precluding Apple from using a similar component layout as iPad 6/7 with Pro 11-like flat shell. Might have different screw holes, etc. for the chassis but honestly, that part's not that big a deal.