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Apple’s iPad lineup is due for a refresh, as the company has not launched any new models since October 2022, when it unveiled the M2 iPad Pro and the iPad 10. However, 9to5Mac has learned from sources that Apple is working on several new iPads for the coming months, including a new iPad mini, two new iPad Air models, and an M3 iPad Pro.
Confirming previous reports, Apple is planning to release a new iPad mini, codenamed J126b, in late 2023 or early 2024, according to the sources. The iPad mini 7 will likely retain the same design as the current generation, which was launched in September 2021 with an A15 Bionic chip. The new iPad mini will probably feature a faster chip, but other details are still unknown.
Apple is also testing an updated version of the entry-level iPad, which was introduced last year with an A14 Bionic chip, a similar design to the iPad Air, and a USB-C port. The new entry-level iPad, codenamed J507 and J508, will likely only get spec upgrades compared to the current model.
The iPad Air, however, may see some more significant changes. The sources revealed that Apple is experimenting with two new versions of the iPad Air, codenamed J537 and J538. These models are based on the iPad Air, but may differ in size or specs. For instance, Apple may be considering introducing a larger or more powerful version of the iPad Air, similar to how it offers two versions of the iPad Pro.
Speaking of the iPad Pro, Apple is also working on a new generation of its flagship tablet, with an M3 chip inside. The new iPad Pro models are identified as J717 and J718 for the 11-inch versions and J720 and J721 for the 12.9-inch versions. It is unclear what other improvements the new iPad Pro will bring, but it is expected to be unveiled alongside a redesigned Magic Keyboard.
As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman last month, Apple is developing a new Magic Keyboard for the iPad that will make it look more like a laptop. The new Magic Keyboard, identified as R219, will have an aluminum structure instead of plastic, and a larger trackpad. It will also have new sensors, including an accelerometer.
The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad is expected to be compatible with both the current and the upcoming iPad Pro models. It is not known if it will work with other iPads as well.
All of the new iPads are on track to be released with a future version of iPadOS 17, which means they should be announced between now and WWDC 2024 in June. However, Apple’s plans may change and some of these models may never see the light of day.
Apple has not commented on any of these rumours, so we will have to wait and see what the company has in store for its tablet lineup.
