What to Expect From Apple's 10th-Generation Low-Cost iPad: Updated Chip, USB-C and Major Design Changes

[MacRumors]

Apple is working on an updated version of its low-cost iPad, with the new tablet set to come out later in 2022. The entry-level iPad has always been something of an afterthought as it isn't often updated with new features, but rumors suggest there's a big redesign in the works.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

This guide highlights everything that we know about the 10th-generation iPad.

Design Changes

Multiple rumors have indicated that the 10th-generation iPad is going to get some notable design changes. Without going into specifics, DigiTimes said that there are "major" design updates in the works, and leaked renders from MySmartPrice said to be of the next-generation iPad have given us some insight on what might be coming.

The upcoming tablet may feature a design that's similar to the iPad mini with flat edges and rounded corners. There could be a power button at the top, but the bezels are not expected to be eliminated. The tablet is expected to measure in at 248.62mm (height) x 179.50mm (width) x 6.98mm (depth), which would make it wider and thinner than the current model. Rumors indicate the 10th-generation iPad will continue to feature a Touch ID Home button rather than Face ID.

A single-lens rear camera is expected, as is a front-facing camera, and Apple may include an LED flash. There is no word as of yet on whether the lens will be improved or if it will use the same 12-megapixel rear camera that's in the existing model.

The 9th-generation iPad continues to feature a headphone jack, but it appears that Apple will remove the headphone jack from the 10th-generation model, bringing it in line with other iPads.

A sketchy rumor from Japanese site Mac Otakara suggests that the low-cost iPad could feature a Touch ID power button and a repositioned FaceTime camera. A Touch ID power button would be in line with the iPad Air and the iPad mini, and a repositioned FaceTime camera would be better for Center Stage, but it is now clear if the site's sources are reliable so the information should be viewed with some skepticism.

Display Size

According to respected display analyst Ross Young, the next-generation iPad is going to feature a larger 10.5-inch display, which would be an increase over the existing 10.2-inch display the ninth-generation iPad sports.

USB-C

Apple has been shifting the iPad line from Lightning to USB-C, and it's the 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 iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

Apple is planning to update its entire iPhone, iPad, and AirPod product lineup to USB-C starting next year in order to comply with new rules in Europe that 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 compared to the existing model.

5G?

Apple has added 5G connectivity across its iPhone product lineup and to iPads that 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.

Launch Date

The 10th-generation iPad is expected to launch later in the year, in either September or October. DigiTimes has suggested 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 did come out at Apple's September 2021 event, so September 2022 is a strong possibility.

Article Link: What to Expect From Apple's 10th-Generation Low-Cost iPad: Updated Chip, USB-C and Major Design Changes

 

[GMShadow]

I wonder if they'll give it a standard A14 with 4GB of RAM, or if they'll spin off a special A14 with only 3GB of RAM. The current cheap iPad uses the same 3GB variant A13 the second gen iPhone SE did.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Just for kicks I was looking at a Kindle Oasis today. Once you get the larger storage size and the COUGH ad free option, it gets up there in price!

You are like at nearly 300$

for something not nearly as versital as this.

Yes I know people sometimes prefer the paper white of the kindle I get it. just amazed at the price of the oasis

 

[Doomtomb]

If they can keep $329 price tag it would be a knockout.

 

[till]

It's still so odd to me that the iPad has a rear camera. To me it's a wart on what could be such a nice clean design. I'm sure Apple has the data showing people really do use it, but I just can't imagine why.

 

[Skyscraperfan]

It's still so odd to me that the iPad has a rear camera. To me it's a wart on what could be such a nice clean design. I'm sure Apple has the data showing people really do use it, but I just can't imagine why.

An iPad can be a camera with an amazing large display. That has some advantages. But the camera quality should match the one of an iPhone. What I would not need is a front camera. I prefer phone calls without video.

 

[ghanwani]

Is the September event going to be held in September?

 

[Menel]

My iPad is 5 years old. My iPhone is 5 years old.
Please de-fragment your ecosystem so I can have the same charging cable, kthx. Fragmented ecosystems blow.

 

[ghanwani]

My iPad is 5 years old. My iPhone is 5 years old.
Please de-fragment your ecosystem so I can have the same charging cable, kthx. Fragmented ecosystems blow.

I think you should upgrade now, then upgrade when they change the cables, and also buy a few more cables along the way.

 

[Kwikyy]

Apple is working on an updated version of its low-cost iPad, with the new tablet set to come out later in 2022. The entry-level iPad has always been something of an afterthought as it isn't often updated with new features, but rumors suggest there's a big redesign in the works.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

This guide highlights everything that we know about the 10th-generation iPad.

Design Changes

Multiple rumors have indicated that the 10th-generation iPad is going to get some notable design changes. Without going into specifics, DigiTimes said that there are "major" design updates in the works, and leaked renders from MySmartPrice said to be of the next-generation iPad have given us some insight on what might be coming.

The upcoming tablet may feature a design that's similar to the iPad mini with flat edges and rounded corners. There could be a power button at the top, but the bezels are not expected to be eliminated. The tablet is expected to measure in at 248.62mm (height) x 179.50mm (width) x 6.98mm (depth), which would make it wider and thinner than the current model. Rumors indicate the 10th-generation iPad will continue to feature a Touch ID Home button rather than Face ID.

A single-lens rear camera is expected, as is a front-facing camera, and Apple may include an LED flash. There is no word as of yet on whether the lens will be improved or if it will use the same 12-megapixel rear camera that's in the existing model.

The 9th-generation iPad continues to feature a headphone jack, but it appears that 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 display, which would be an increase over the existing 10.2-inch display the ninth-generation iPad sports.

USB-C

Apple has been shifting the iPad line from Lightning to USB-C, and it's the 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 iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

Apple is planning to update its entire iPhone, iPad, and AirPod product lineup to USB-C starting next year in order to comply with new rules in Europe that 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 compared to the existing model.

5G?

Apple has added 5G connectivity across its iPhone product lineup and to iPads that 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.

Launch Date

The 10th-generation iPad is expected to launch later in the year, in either September or October. DigiTimes has suggested 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 did come out at Apple's September 2021 event, so September 2022 is a strong possibility.

Article Link: What to Expect From Apple's 10th-Generation Low-Cost iPad: Updated Chip, USB-C and Major Design Changes

8Mpx rear camera *

 

[Menel]

I think you should upgrade now, then upgrade when they change the cables, and also buy a few more cables along the way.

Sure, just show me which IPad Pro matches the iPhone now.

 

[Kwikyy]

I wonder if they'll give it a standard A14 with 4GB of RAM, or if they'll spin off a special A14 with only 3GB of RAM. The current cheap iPad uses the same 3GB variant A13 the second gen iPhone SE did.

Likely 4

 

[DrTwoFish]

I sure hope this has a laminated display. I'm a pretty basic ipad user - mostly texting, note taking, and recipes, but it's hard to swallow the hollow air-gap screen once you're used to laminated (to me that's a much bigger deal than 120hz). My 10.5" ipad pro 2017 is getting laggy to the point where I have to clear my ram every few days just to type texts, and I don't really want to pay $500+ for a replacement for my basic use case. Will buy this day 1 if it has a better screen.

 

[cjgrif]

It's still so odd to me that the iPad has a rear camera. To me it's a wart on what could be such a nice clean design. I'm sure Apple has the data showing people really do use it, but I just can't imagine why.

Even in the modest amount of travel I've done, I've still seen so many tourists (of a certain age group) walking around with iPads taking photos.

 

[taxineil]

Apple is working on an updated version of its low-cost iPad, with the new tablet set to come out later in 2022. The entry-level iPad has always been something of an afterthought as it isn't often updated with new features, but rumors suggest there's a big redesign in the works.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

This guide highlights everything that we know about the 10th-generation iPad.

Design Changes

Multiple rumors have indicated that the 10th-generation iPad is going to get some notable design changes. Without going into specifics, DigiTimes said that there are "major" design updates in the works, and leaked renders from MySmartPrice said to be of the next-generation iPad have given us some insight on what might be coming.

The upcoming tablet may feature a design that's similar to the iPad mini with flat edges and rounded corners. There could be a power button at the top, but the bezels are not expected to be eliminated. The tablet is expected to measure in at 248.62mm (height) x 179.50mm (width) x 6.98mm (depth), which would make it wider and thinner than the current model. Rumors indicate the 10th-generation iPad will continue to feature a Touch ID Home button rather than Face ID.

A single-lens rear camera is expected, as is a front-facing camera, and Apple may include an LED flash. There is no word as of yet on whether the lens will be improved or if it will use the same 12-megapixel rear camera that's in the existing model.

The 9th-generation iPad continues to feature a headphone jack, but it appears that 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 display, which would be an increase over the existing 10.2-inch display the ninth-generation iPad sports.

USB-C

Apple has been shifting the iPad line from Lightning to USB-C, and it's the 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 iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

Apple is planning to update its entire iPhone, iPad, and AirPod product lineup to USB-C starting next year in order to comply with new rules in Europe that 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 compared to the existing model.

5G?

Apple has added 5G connectivity across its iPhone product lineup and to iPads that 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.

Launch Date

The 10th-generation iPad is expected to launch later in the year, in either September or October. DigiTimes has suggested 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 did come out at Apple's September 2021 event, so September 2022 is a strong possibility.

Article Link: What to Expect From Apple's 10th-Generation Low-Cost iPad: Updated Chip, USB-C and Major Design Changes

I hope they don't force us into updating pencil,I've no intention of spending that much.

 

[tomtad]

Going out on a limb here and going to predict no home button. This redesign will be planned to last for some time and given the current iPhone SE form factor will be on its way out in the next year or so this would then leave this sole device with the home button. It will be more consistent and also cheaper to use the power button Touch ID already used in the Air and mini, it's one less component after all.

 

[erikkfi]

Yet another pre-release render showing relatively bright colors. A little something to disappoint me when the "colors" actually offered are various shades of gray, plus gold.

 

[unregbaron]

Apple Pencil Gen 1 or 2 ?

 

[GMShadow]

Apple Pencil Gen 1 or 2 ?

If it's USB-C, it's Gen 2.

 

[ghanwani]

Sure, just show me which IPad Pro matches the iPhone now.

That doesn't matter. Just keep buying stuff.

(For the record, I'm kidding )

 

[Macative]

Imagine purposely keeping bezel as a way of making it a lower tier offering.

 

[Macative]

At first this picture made me think it was being redesigned as a landscape-first device, with camera and home button on the long sides. 🤣

Now that would be a major redesign. In fact a departure from the 12 year Portrait design of iPad.

 

[currentinterest]

They want to keep the cost down so they will likely use the display from the 10.5 inch iPad Pro, only without promotion or lamination.

 

[Clayton630]

Even in the modest amount of travel I've done, I've still seen so many tourists (of a certain age group) walking around with iPads taking photos.

You’d better go with the new M1 Air, it’s not as expensive as the Pro but will last way longer than the 10th gen iPad with faster usbc bigger, brighter and laminated display for sure

 

[andrewxgx]

lemme guess, alyways on display on the back that only shows ads?