Rumors suggest that Apple will release updated versions of the iPad mini and iPad Pro models during the first half of this year, potentially as early as this month, and a new leak today has provided us with a possible preview of what to expect in terms of overall device design and camera perspectives.
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Apple tech and blogger Sonny Dickson this morning images shared on Twitter showing dummy versions of the upcoming 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, and an updated iPad mini 6. Updated mannequins are usually based on CAD drawings from the Chinese supply chain, and are often used to help case makers before the officer reveal.
Perhaps the most important talking point in the photos is the look of the iPad mini, which seems to feature the same overall design as the previous model, with Home button and thick bezels at the top and bottom, though Dickson suggests that the device looks slightly thicker “.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple will launch a new iPad mini that could measure between 8.5 and 9 inches, and BloombergMark Gurman has said the same way that the next iPad mini will have a bigger screen. Still, it’s still unclear whether the screen magnification would mean a larger iPad mini or a bevel reduction and it’s hard to know the exact size of the mannequin in the images.
Japanese place Mac Otakara has stated that the iPad mini 6 will feature an 8.4-inch screen with thinner bezels and a design similar to the iPad Air 3. But it also claims that the new model will continue with a Touch ID home button and a Lightning port, and therefore is not expected to reflect the major design changes seen on the iPad Air and iPad Pro.
That said, Kuo believes Apple is working on a new iPad mini with a mini-LED display, which could be the same iPad mini that is increasing in size. Again, however, it is unclear whether this is the same iPad mini depicted in these images.
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On the iPad Pro dummies, the new models seem to have the same dual-lens camera system as the LiDAR scanner. However, the camera protection of the 12.9-inch model seems to stand out less than in the 11-inch model. Rumors suggest that the protrusion of the individual lenses in the camera module will be reduced, but the camera itself is expected to protrude.
Meanwhile, the reduced bevel designs seem to reflect current models, not to mention the Smart Connector mysteriously missing at the bottom of the 12.9-inch model. Dickson has confirmed it MacRumors that the connector does not appear anywhere else on the manikin and it is difficult to know if its omission is intentional or an error. Other than that, it’s hard to know the exact screen sizes and dimensions of the iPad Pro models in the photos, but no major design changes are expected.
Gurman has said the new iPad Pro models will have an updated A14X processor that is “on the same level” as the M1 chip on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini, along with better cameras. An LED mini-screen with “at least” the larger 12.9-inch 12iPad Pro 12 will be included, with the screen upgrade providing improved brightness and contrast ratios. This is in line with other rumors we’ve heard and most of the information suggests that the updated display technology will be limited to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Apple reportedly also tested iPad Pros with a Thunderbolt connector that would make them compatible with external monitors, hard drives and additional peripherals, in addition to providing faster data sync speeds, but it’s unclear if the feature will work. will include the latest 2021 models. Apple Macs have had Thunderbolt technology for years, but current iPad Pro and iPad Air models have standard USB-C ports.
We are still hearing specific details about a possible April event from Apple, but Gurman has stated that the company plans to announce new iPads as early as this month, including the new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models. It remains to be seen if they arrive via press release or advertise in a digital-only event.