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In a new note to investors, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released further details about the upcoming iPad Pro generation – and new MacBooks were not left unmentioned.
The well-known TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has announced a specific time frame for Apple's new AR glasses in the course of his publication – read more here.
He also discussed the iPad Pro and MacBooks. But let's start with Apple's professional tablet. According to Kuo, Cupertino plans to equip the new iPad Pro with a 3D camera - other reports predict that the tablet will have the same triple camera as the iPhone 11 Pro. Kuo is thus repeating an earlier prediction about the tablet and contradicting other sources. He also claims to have found out a release date. According to his information, the new fourth-generation iPad Pro will actually be released in spring 2020 - this would mean that we won't see any new Apple tablets in October - here too, there are conflicting reports so far.
Time-of-Flight method for better depth information
The 3D camera in the new iPad Pro is based on time-of-flight technology. This technology is similar in principle to the infrared TrueDepth camera system that can be found on the front of the iPhone and enables facial recognition. Using the time-of-flight method (TOF), the sensor calculates the time it takes for light to reach a surface - it can therefore determine depth information and thus create more precise images.
The ToF system on the back of the iPad Pro would not be identical to the TrueDepth camera we know today, as the front module cannot work at greater distances. The same camera technology is also expected to be used in the iPhone 2020 - countless sources are already reporting this. In addition to the iPad Pro, the iPhone SE 2 is expected in the same period (spring 2020) - according to Kuo - you can find out more about the iPhone SE 2 here.
New material inside the iPad Pro for more flexibility
Kuo also learned something about the iPad Pro's internals. According to Kuo, the new iPad Pro will be the first to use an "LCP Soft Board," which refers to a material known as liquid crystal polymer. As the name suggests, the board is soft and can be used as a flexible way to connect components together much more easily, circumventing the limitations of rigid components. The use of this new material is apparently intended to prepare for the deployment of 5G modems starting in 2021. This means, according to Kuo, Apple will equip the iPad Pro line with 5G modems starting in 2021.
MacBook with new keyboard technology
The topic of MacBooks was also briefly touched upon. Apple is still expected to present a completely new MacBook Pro this year - this one will feature new keyboard technology. As a reminder: The new keyboard is rumored to have been developed on the basis of scissor switches - i.e. with a real pressure mechanism like in previous years. Despite the old technology, the design of the upcoming keyboard is said to be completely new - Apple also wants to increase the durability of the keys. Fiberglass will supposedly be used for this. Kuo now claims to have finally learned that Apple wants to equip the entire MacBook range with the new keyboard as early as next year. However, the updated devices are not expected until the second quarter of 2020.
Kuo's track record actually speaks for itself
It remains to be seen whether the analyst will be right with his forecast based on new information from suppliers. Much of this has already been predicted several times - but we will find out whether he is right about the iPad Pro by the end of October at the latest. If no new professional tablet has been introduced by Apple by then, we can actually look forward to spring 2020 with excitement. (Photo by xMarshall / Bigstockphoto)
