iPad Is the entry level iPad likely to have side Touch ID this year?

[SW3029]

If the iPad mini is getting side Touch ID is the main iPad likely to?

 

[Shirasaki]

No. Side Touch ID is too expensive for that iPad. Plus there is no incentive to upgrade its form factor at this stage.

 

[cambookpro]

I doubt it, as that would imply the “modern” design language and therefore little differentiation from the Air. It might get a bump to a 10.5” screen, but I reckon that would be the most change we’d see this year.

 

[AutomaticApple]

If the iPad mini is getting side Touch ID is the main iPad likely to?

No, why not just put it in the home button?

 

[Runs For Fun]

No. That’s the entry level iPad. It’s not going to get any fancy features.

 

[SW3029]

I suspect the entry-level iPad will get side Touch ID if the iPad mini is. It makes sense to move the whole product line to full-screen devices.

Differentiators for iPad 2021 models:

iPad Pro - M chip/dual camera/Face ID
iPad Air - latest A series chip/dual camera/side Touch ID
iPad - A12 or A13 chip/single lens camera/side Touch ID
iPad mini - A12 or A13/single lens camera/side Touch ID

 

[Shirasaki]

I suspect the entry-level iPad will get side Touch ID if the iPad mini is. It makes sense to move the whole product line to full-screen devices.

Differentiators for iPad 2021 models:

iPad Pro - M chip/dual camera/Face ID
iPad Air - latest A series chip/dual camera/side Touch ID
iPad - A12 or A13 chip/single lens camera/side Touch ID
iPad mini - A12 or A13/single lens camera/side Touch ID

Tell me why entry level iPad gets form factor upgrade shortly after iPad Air?

Without form factor upgrade, why put Touch ID in the power button instead of home button? Or do you believe apple can produce the new form factor cheap enough it can bring the cost down to $329?