iPad Predictions for 2019 (or 2020?) 10" iPad

[sracer]

Yes, I was thinking more of the super portable Nano and even Shuffle. But a new Touch would also be welcomed.

The iPod Touch is not a good music player IMO. It's a nice micro-iPad type device, but the reliance on the touchscreen for basic music playback control is a miss.

The Nano on the other hand, is still very good. I still regularly use my 3rd, 6th (as a watch), and 7th gen.

 

[Richard8655]

The iPod Touch is not a good music player IMO. It's a nice micro-iPad type device, but the reliance on the touchscreen for basic music playback control is a miss.

The Nano on the other hand, is still very good. I still regularly use my 3rd, 6th (as a watch), and 7th gen.

Agree on the Touch. I never owned one and interesting to hear about the music quality and ergonomics. To me, the issue was also the form factor. Just too large and sized like a small iPhone (i.e., SE) without phone capability. Not at all the light weight, portable music/radio player perfect for brisk walks, hikes, or even jogs.

The Nano and Shuffle fit that niche perfectly, in my opinion. Both sorely missed and also holding on dearly to my 7th gens.

 

[EugW]

Mac Okatara says the new iPad will look pretty much the same as the last model, again with Touch ID and headphone jack, and probably the same 9.7” screen.

https://www.macrumors.com/2019/03/08/7th-gen-ipad-touch-id-headphone-jack/

Here’s hoping it at least gets that 3-4 GB RAM.

 

[Josieb1]

MacRumors: Two New iPad Pro Models, 10.2-Inch iPad, and iPad Mini 5 Said to Launch in 2019

In a thorough research note outlining Apple's plans for 2019, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo describes his outlook for its next iPad lineup. According to Kuo, Apple plans to release two new iPad Pro models, a 10.2-inch iPad, and a refreshed iPad mini equipped with an upgraded processor later this year.

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BuzzFeed: Apple Plans News Event For March 25

Apple has settled on a date for its first big product announcement of 2019. Sources tell BuzzFeed News that the company plans to hold a special event on March 25 at the Steve Jobs Theater on its Apple Park campus. Headlining the gathering: that subscription news service that has been all over the news today. Unlikely to make an appearance: next-generation AirPods, or that rumored new iPad Mini.

[doublepost=1552114374][/doublepost]10.2 iPad would be disappointing as if I buy that I would need to pay for word and excel. I would like w screen size that falls underneath Microsoft’s price point for free access.

 

[JPack]

Mac Okatara says the new iPad will look pretty much the same as the last model, again with Touch ID and headphone jack, and probably the same 9.7” screen.

https://www.macrumors.com/2019/03/08/7th-gen-ipad-touch-id-headphone-jack/

Here’s hoping it at least gets that 3-4 GB RAM.

Otakara has a 50/50 track record. Kuo has basically never been wrong, especially when it comes to specs. I would bet good money on 10.2”. Basically, a thinner bezel version of the 9.7” model.

 

[0989382]

Same design, same price, this years processors (like how the XR got the sameness processor as XS), more RAM and I’d be happy to buy a 2019 budget iPad.

I’m actually waiting to buy two for me and my girlfriend! Hope the design is the same so that we can use existing accessories from day one when we buy them.

 

[Falhófnir]

With the XR getting a 3GB variant of the A12 with no dual camera (which was the supposed reason the 7 plus and 8 plus got 3GB chips over the smaller 2GB counterparts) I think they might be moving to new devices having 3GB minimum. Hopefully they will put the 3GB A12 variant from the XR in - if they have had to cut orders for that device they might be looking for somewhere to use these chips. I don't expect to see a 4GB A12 in there (would be a surprise to the pleasant side) though they might also use the 3GB A11 from the iPhone 8 plus and iPhone X. Either way these will be some pretty powerful devices!

 

[EugW]

With the XR getting a 3GB variant of the A12 with no dual camera (which was the supposed reason the 7 plus and 8 plus got 3GB chips over the smaller 2GB counterparts) I think they might be moving to new devices having 3GB minimum. Hopefully they will put the 3GB A12 variant from the XR in - if they have had to cut orders for that device they might be looking for somewhere to use these chips. I don't expect to see a 4GB A12 in there (would be a surprise to the pleasant side) though they might also use the 3GB A11 from the iPhone 8 plus and iPhone X. Either way these will be some pretty powerful devices!

The SoC and memory are separate in these devices.

 

[Falhófnir]

The SoC and memory are separate in these devices.

As far as I am aware that is only the case with AX chips. Regular A series chips have the RAM in the package.

See step 8 here:
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad+5+Teardown/85098

 

[EugW]

As far as I am aware that is only the case with AX chips. Regular A series chips have the RAM in the package.

See step 8 here:
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPad+5+Teardown/85098

I guess I misunderstood your original post. I'm just saying the SoCs are manufactured separately. It's not on-chip RAM. It's as you say, just packaged differently.

 

[ericwn]

I just want an all-screen design with Liquid Retina display and Face ID, but four speakers and USB-C would be great too...

Sounds like you want an iPad Pro!

 

[ericwn]

I’m not ruling out in screen TouchID for future “budget” Apple devices even though FaceID is the future and yada yada.

Surely a possibility but it would also destroy the effect that certain technologies become more affordable over time and can trickle down into more affordable products.

 

[EssModelsRule]

Surely a possibility but it would also destroy the effect that certain technologies become more affordable over time and can trickle down into more affordable products.

I assume you’re referring to FaceID costs eventually coming down and I fail to see how that timeline would be impacted by the budget devices using an in-screen home button instead of an actual one. In fact, if Apple goes that route it would make sense to give the flagship devices in-screen TouchID also as a backup or optional method to FaceID. Best of both worlds for buyers willing to pay for it.

 

[EugW]

A respected leaker is saying we will get BOTH a 10.2" iPad 7 non-Pro and an all new 10.5" iPad non-Pro, but at different times.

https://www.macrumors.com/2019/03/13/10-2-and-10-5-inch-ipad-rumor/

https://twitter.com/coiiiiiiiin/status/1105859133377396736?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1105859133377396736&ref_url=https://www.macrumors.com/2019/03/13/10-2-and-10-5-inch-ipad-rumor/

CoinX has an accurate track record, having previously tweeted the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR names of the 2018 iPhones before anyone else, in addition to the 2018 iPad Pro being 5.9mm thick and a few minor details about other Apple products. It is unclear where the information is sourced from.

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See ya in twelve days...

 

[fokmik]

Since Apple now is going for Samsung way, display size for everyone...at least Apple should put into them at least latest A chip or at least last gen A chip

8" ipad mini A11 chip
10.2" A10 chip
10.5" A11 chip

 

[JPack]

A respected leaker is saying we will get BOTH a 10.2" iPad 7 non-Pro and an all new 10.5" iPad non-Pro, but at different times.

https://www.macrumors.com/2019/03/13/10-2-and-10-5-inch-ipad-rumor/

https://twitter.com/coiiiiiiiin/status/1105859133377396736?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1105859133377396736&ref_url=https://www.macrumors.com/2019/03/13/10-2-and-10-5-inch-ipad-rumor/

CoinX has an accurate track record, having previously tweeted the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR names of the 2018 iPhones before anyone else, in addition to the 2018 iPad Pro being 5.9mm thick and a few minor details about other Apple products. It is unclear where the information is sourced from.

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See ya in twelve days...

It's tough to predict what Pro features the 10.5" will lose and still meaningfully separate it from the 10.2" model.

 

[EssModelsRule]

It's tough to predict what Pro features the 10.5" will lose and still meaningfully separate it from the 10.2" model.

It’s what it’ll gain, not lose, that’ll keep it above the base iPad. The only scenario that makes sense to me is if it will be the XR of iPads and slot in near the 10.5” Pro’s price point. FaceID and Pro-like squared chassis with more moderate specs, maybe like a regular A12 and lesser camera specs, speaker count, 3GB RAM, etc. This is primed to be the 2019 iPad Air.

Sounds like the base model could get some love too, so now I’m most curious to see when all these new models will be released.

 

[AJB1971]

A respected leaker is saying we will get BOTH a 10.2" iPad 7 non-Pro and an all new 10.5" iPad non-Pro, but at different times.

https://www.macrumors.com/2019/03/13/10-2-and-10-5-inch-ipad-rumor/

If this is correct, then it does suggest a very minor update for the 7th generation iPad. Probably just the processor, larger screen in the existing body, and smart connectivity for a keyboard case.

I can’t see a new 10.5” model launching until the fourth generation Pro line-up is announced. That would allow them to have the A11 processor in the base iPad, the A12 in the mid-range model and the A13 in the Pro line. It will also mean there’s more room for a mid-range model in terms of features.

Coincidentally, when you click on the link for the iPad Pro 10.5” on Apple’s website you’re redirected to a buy page instead of a product overview page like you get for the other iPads. That could suggest its presence in the existing line-up was intended to be short-lived.

The introduction of a non-Pro 10.5” model could be a reaction to customers’ concerns about pricing. They can’t put up the price of the base models because they’re targeting the education market and they don’t want to reduce their margins on the Pro models.

I wonder if they’ll bring back the Air name?

In addition to a faster processor, I would expect a mid-range model to come with a laminated display and four speakers.

I’m a bit skeptical about this report, it seems strange that Apple would introduce two models with such similar screen sizes, but they’ve done it before with their computers. There’s certainly a big enough difference in price to accommodate another model.

 

[JPack]

It’s what it’ll gain, not lose, that’ll keep it above the base iPad. The only scenario that makes sense to me is if it will be the XR of iPads and slot in near the 10.5” Pro’s price point. FaceID and Pro-like squared chassis with more moderate specs, maybe like a regular A12 and lesser camera specs, speaker count, 3GB RAM, etc. This is primed to be the 2019 iPad Air.

Sounds like the base model could get some love too, so now I’m most curious to see when all these new models will be released.

If the new 10.5" gets all the features you mentioned, wouldn't it be branded iPad Pro? The rumor says the 10.5" will be a regular iPad.

The only way this rumor makes sense is if the 11" and 12.9" iPad Pro receive a significant refresh in Q4'19. In that case, the 10.5" with a simple update to A11 can be branded a plain iPad.

 

[EssModelsRule]

If the new 10.5" gets all the features you mentioned, wouldn't it be branded iPad Pro? The rumor says the 10.5" will be a regular iPad.

The only way this rumor makes sense is if the 11" and 12.9" iPad Pro receive a significant refresh in Q4'19. In that case, the 10.5" with a simple update to A11 can be branded a plain iPad.

Why would it be branded a Pro if it was a blend of Pro and base iPad features and split the difference in price also? Should the MacBook Air also be called a Pro? Having two “plain iPads” so close in size doesn’t make sense. The 10.5” Air as I’m calling it makes sense because a lot of us want something nicer than the base model (thin, light, laminated screen, slightly better specs) but only a small fraction of users actually need an $800 Pro so something new in the middle would be very interesting.

 

[JPack]

Why would it be branded a Pro if it was a blend of Pro and base iPad features and split the difference in price also? Should the MacBook Air also be called a Pro? Having two “plain iPads” so close in size doesn’t make sense. The 10.5” Air as I’m calling it makes sense because a lot of us want something nicer than the base model (thin, light, laminated screen, slightly better specs) but only a small fraction of users actually need an $800 Pro so something new in the middle would be very interesting.

To me, the features you mentioned are considered Pro. Apple considers the current 10.5" model an iPad Pro. I don't see how they could possibly call a 10.5" model with Face ID, chamfered edges (for attaching Pencil 2), and presumably thin-bezels not a Pro device.

The MacBook Air is always limited to slower low-voltage processors, so it will never be a Pro.

Unlike iPhone, Apple is not under pressure to waterfall their new iPad Pro tech and design. There's no Samsung or Huawei nipping at the heels. Apple dominates the entire tablet market from top to bottom in terms of shipments and global market share. While an XR-style iPad makes sense from a consumer's POV, it makes less sense from Tim Cook's position.

Even though a 10.5" and 10.2" display are similar, there can still be significant differences under the hood including camera, base storage, lamination, and potentially processor/memory.

 

[EssModelsRule]

To me, the features you mentioned are considered Pro. Apple considers the current 10.5" model an iPad Pro. I don't see how they could possibly call a 10.5" model with Face ID, chamfered edges (for attaching Pencil 2), and presumably thin-bezels not a Pro device.

The MacBook Air is always limited to slower low-voltage processors, so it will never be a Pro.

Unlike iPhone, Apple is not under pressure to waterfall their new iPad Pro tech and design. There's no Samsung or Huawei nipping at the heels. Apple dominates the entire tablet market from top to bottom in terms of shipments and global market share. While an XR-style iPad makes sense from a consumer's POV, it makes less sense from Tim Cook's position.

Even though a 10.5" and 10.2" display are similar, there can still be significant differences under the hood including camera, base storage, lamination, and potentially processor/memory.

Just my opinion of course, but an XR-style iPad makes sense from everyone’s position. It needs the look of the Pro at 75% of the cost. That would be $600, a much more reasonable asking price for a premium casual internet surfing device. $800 for the Pro is just silly overkill for most everyone until it can actually replace their laptop.

Current iPads may not have outside competition but why spend $800 when your four year old iPad still works fine? Or why buy the $329 model when the screen, arguably the most important component of a tablet, is a downgrade from your four year old iPad’s screen? Cook needs to sell iPads but his two newest entries are at the extreme opposite ends of the price range. Offer something new in the middle as an upsell and I bet it becomes the volume leader like XR is for iPhone.

 

[JPack]

Just my opinion of course, but an XR-style iPad makes sense from everyone’s position. It needs the look of the Pro at 75% of the cost. That would be $600, a much more reasonable asking price for a premium casual internet surfing device. $800 for the Pro is just silly overkill for most everyone until it can actually replace their laptop.

Current iPads may not have outside competition but why spend $800 when your four year old iPad still works fine? Or why buy the $329 model when the screen, arguably the most important component of a tablet, is a downgrade from your four year old iPad’s screen? Cook needs to sell iPads but his two newest entries are at the extreme opposite ends of the price range. Offer something new in the middle as an upsell and I bet it becomes the volume leader like XR is for iPhone.

I'm personally hoping for such an iPad as it fits my budget and use as well. If Kuo or Gurman put their weight behind this rumor, it would be great. But until they say something, I'm suspecting it's either a light refresh for the 10.5" or the rumor is simply not accurate.

 

[EssModelsRule]

I'm personally hoping for such an iPad as it fits my budget and use as well. If Kuo or Gurman put their weight behind this rumor, it would be great. But until they say something, I'm suspecting it's either a light refresh for the 10.5" or the rumor is simply not accurate.

Same here. If Kuo isn’t first he’s at least the first to add details so hopefully he chimes in soon!

 

[EugW]

Just my opinion of course, but an XR-style iPad makes sense from everyone’s position. It needs the look of the Pro at 75% of the cost. That would be $600, a much more reasonable asking price for a premium casual internet surfing device. $800 for the Pro is just silly overkill for most everyone until it can actually replace their laptop.

Current iPads may not have outside competition but why spend $800 when your four year old iPad still works fine? Or why buy the $329 model when the screen, arguably the most important component of a tablet, is a downgrade from your four year old iPad’s screen? Cook needs to sell iPads but his two newest entries are at the extreme opposite ends of the price range. Offer something new in the middle as an upsell and I bet it becomes the volume leader like XR is for iPhone.

I'd strongly consider something like that, esp. since I'm coming from an iPad Air 2, as long as they don't significantly reduce the pixel density* (like they did for the XR vs. the Plus and X). The iPad Air 2 was essentially the precursor to the Pro, at their previous iPad price point, but then they upgraded it even more and made the Pro line at a much higher price. Then they dumbed down the non-Pro iPads to hit a lower price point, leaving a gap in the middle.

I'd consider buying a 4 GB iPad over a 3 GB iPad with slower SoC if the price difference was say $150. Also, at this point in 2019, I'm not interested in getting any A10 based iPad. I already have an A10 based iPhone 7 Plus, and I'd want an upgrade in both SoC speed and RAM, esp. for something like the iPad which has a higher resolution screen and more demanding interface features. A11 would be a good choice, but A10X would also suffice. Rough Geekbench scores:

A12X @ 2.5 GHz: 18400
A12 @ 2.5 GHz: 11700
A11 @ 2.4 GHz: 10900
A10X @ 2.4 GHz: 9600
A10 @ 2.3 GHz: 6100

As you can see, there is a huge jump in performance between A10 and A10X or A11. That, along with 4 GB RAM, would ensure the iPad we purchase this year would have longevity.

The only thing I worry about is that the mid-range iPad will start at 64 GB and then jump to 256 GB, without any 128 GB option. As for the iPad Pro, I simply won't buy one at current price points, regardless of what the specs are. Also, it would be annoying to see the 10+" iPads lose free MS Office support.

*Yes I'm aware that the 9.7" iPads have lower pixel density than the iPhone XR, but I use iPads and phones differently.