Apple is working on an updated version of its low-cost iPadwith the new tablet slated for release later in 2022. The entry-level iPad has always been an afterthought as it’s not often updated with new features, but rumors suggest there’s a major overhaul in progress.
This guide highlights everything we know about the 10th generation iPad.
Design change
Several rumors indicated that the 10th generation iPad was going to undergo some notable design changes. Without going into details, DigiTimes said there were “major” design updates in the works, and leaked renders of MySmartPrice said to be from the next generation of iPad gave us a glimpse of what might come.
The upcoming tablet could feature a design similar to the ipad mini with flat edges and rounded corners. There might be a power button at the top, but the bezels shouldn’t be eliminated. The tablet is expected to measure 248.62mm (height) x 179.50mm (width) x 6.98mm (depth), which would make it wider and thinner than the current model. Rumors indicate that the 10th generation iPad will continue to feature a Touch ID Home button instead of Face ID.
A single-lens rear camera is expected, as is a front camera, and Apple may include an LED flash. It is not yet known if the lens will be improved or if it will use the same 12-megapixel rear camera as the existing model.
The 9th generation iPad continues to have a headphone jack, but it looks like Apple will remove the headphone jack from the 10th generation model, bringing it in line with other iPads.
Display size
According to respected display analyst Ross Young, the next-generation iPad is going to feature a larger 10.5 inch screenwhich would be an increase over the ninth-generation iPad Sport’s existing 10.2-inch display.
USB-C
Apple has moved the iPad line from Lightning to USB-C, and it’s iPad’s turn for an update. The 10th generation iPad is expected to feature a USB-C port for charging instead of a Lightning port, similar to the iPadPro, ipad airand iPad mini.
Apple plans to update its entire iPhoneiPad and AirPods product line to USB-C starting next year in order to comply with the new rules in Europe which require products to have a common charging port for device interoperability.
A14 chip
The current iPad has an A13 Bionic chip, but Apple is rumored to be planning to upgrade the 10th generation iPad to an A14 chip, which was first used in the iPhone 12 and the fourth-generation iPad Air. It will bring a moderate increase in performance and efficiency over the existing model.
5G?
Apple has added 5G connectivity to its iPhone product line and iPads which include the current iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini models, so it stands to reason that the 10th generation iPad could also get faster 5G connectivity.
Release date
The 10th generation iPad is expected to launch later this year, in September or October. DigiTimes suggested that Apple is aiming for a September launch, but in years past Apple has held a second Mac and iPad-centric event in October, leaving the September event for iPhones and Apple Watches. That said, the ninth-generation iPad was released during Apple’s September 2021 event, so September 2022 is a strong possibility.