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In all probability, Apple will present us two new iPad models this year. The biggest innovation: the introduction of Face ID. A presentation is conceivable this month, as iOS 12.1 also provides clear indications of new devices.
Specifically, 12.9” and 10.5” devices are to be released. Both will for the first time dispense with Touch ID and be equipped with Face ID. Although the device will only have a very narrow edge, there will be no notch for the TrueDepth camera. This is made possible by the new LCD of the upcoming iPad Pro model. In addition, facial recognition should also work in landscape format.
Information from developer circles
The website 9to5mac claims to have learned this information from developer circles. The model codes of the iPad Pro with WiFi are "iPad8,1", "iPad8,2", "iPad8,5" and "iPad8,6". The cellular models are called "iPad8,3", "iPad8,4", "iPad8,7" and "iPad8,8". This confirms once again that Apple will present two different sizes of the iPad Pro.
Both come in two storage variants and optionally as an LTE version. The dimensions have also been mentioned in the past. The 12.9" model is said to measure 280 mm x 215 mm x 6.4 mm and the 10.5" model is said to be 247.5 mm x 178.7 mm x 6 mm.
Connections
According to the report, Apple could install a USB-C port for the first time and thus say goodbye to the Lightning input. The USB-C port should enable video output in 4K HDR on an external display. The user should be able to choose between various options in the settings. The elimination of the 3.5 mm headphone jack is also conceivable.
New accessories
To match the new iPad Pro, Apple is said to be planning to introduce a new Apple Pencil and a new Smart Keyboard. There are also new features here. In the future, the Apple Pencil will be able to be paired without a Lightning connector. If the pencil is near the device, it will connect automatically - similar to the principle of the AirPods. It remains to be seen whether the new Apple Pencil will be backwards compatible. The compatibility of the old Apple Stylus with the new iPad also remains questionable.
