iPad Next iPad Air to have the Pro design? Something I’ve noticed

[tomtad]

So something I’ve noticed which no one seems to have picked up on so far. Looking at the box of the magic keyboard, it just says iPad and has no reference to Pro.

I could swear Apple used to say Pro so I had a look at the old Smart Keyboard folio box and this says iPad Pro on it, the same for the old Smart folios.

The updated ones currently designed for the 2020 Pro have removed the reference on the packaging and just say iPad.

Now it has been rumoured that the next Air will essentially be a stripped down Pro - 2 speakers not 4, no pro res display, less ram etc.

I think the packaging of these accessories just saying iPad is another hint this is where things are heading. Also this would allow the Air to be compatible with the 2nd gen pencil.

I’m curious if anyone has any of the new accessories if they mention the Pro models in the small print somewhere?

 

[Seanm87]

It’s because the old keyboard folio for the 10.5 inch iPad Pro can now be used with the iPad Air. Nothing more than that really.

As for the new one maybe they just want to keep the naming simple?

 

[tomtad]

It’s the Smart Keyboard which can be used with the Air (the origami one), not the Smart Keyboard Folio which only works with the new design Pros.

The Smart Keyboard Folio was updated with a new camera hole and they have removed the reference to Pro on the box.

It could be nothing but it seems a conscious decision by Apple to remove the name Pro from these accessories to me. This is why I’m curious if there’s any reference in the small print.

 

[Ghost31]

Don’t suppose you’ve seen the leaks about the next iPad Air. Supposedly its gonna be alot like the 11inch pro

 

[Digitalguy]

That would be a good move given all the screen issues with the 10.5 size... It would be hard to swallow the smart keyboard at over half the price, but after all the ASK for the 10.2 is already half the price, so why not go up a notch...

 

[AutomaticApple]

Don’t suppose you’ve seen the leaks about the next iPad Air. Supposedly its gonna be alot like the 11inch pro

Are there any other videos that cover the leaks?

 

[tomtad]

Don’t suppose you’ve seen the leaks about the next iPad Air. Supposedly its gonna be alot like the 11inch pro

Yes I've heard the rumours, haven't seen that video though thanks.

Hopefully the missing Pro from the accessories is a further clue of where things are heading. It may also explain why they have kept the pricing so high on the Magic keyboard

If they maintain the Air's sub $500 price you need the combined iPad and keyboard to not undercut the Macbook's by too much.

 

[Icaras]

I don‘t know. I have my reservations about adopting the Pro design for the Air 4. I feel like it may have the same body as the current Air, but except with the all screen front glass design. But going 11” will at least simplify the product lineup by having only four screen sizes, rather than five.

And I really hope the rumors that we won’t get stereo sound is false. It’s something I’ll definitely miss when I downgrade to the Air.