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It is certain that new iPad models will be released next year.
While Apple updates the iPad Pro models every fall, the entry-level 9.7" iPad has already been updated twice in a row in March. Now the Japanese blog Macotakara claims to have learned about Apple's spring plans. The information is said to have come from supplier circles. According to the report, Apple will update the 9.7" iPad in the first half of 2019. The iPad Mini 5 is also due to follow after a long break.
iPad 9.7" successor
According to the information, the inexpensive entry-level model could be replaced by a 10" model. This will be achieved by narrowing the edges. It remains to be seen which biometric decryption method the inexpensive iPad will be equipped with.
The introduction of a new Touch ID sensor would be possible. A new patent was announced for this at the beginning of December. According to this, the cheaper iPad could be equipped with a fingerprint sensor under the display. Similar information has already been provided by suppliers. The Taiwanese company General Interface Solution (GIS) and the Chinese manufacturer O-Film Tech are among those supplying this technology. Face ID is more complex to produce and costs more. For this reason, facial recognition will initially be reserved for the more expensive iPad Pro models. By installing this new fingerprint sensor, the cheaper iPad model could be refreshed in terms of design and the home button could be eliminated - without significantly increasing production costs. No further details on the specifications can be found in the report.
Those who are said to be dead live longer – iPad Mini 5
The iPad Mini was last updated in September 2015. Since then, there have been many rumors about the popular 7.9" tablet. The usually well-informed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted a new iPad Mini back in October of this year - but he did not give a time frame for the market launch. Now his statement is supported by the latest report. However, here too, no further details about the specifications are known.
