Following Apple's launch of new iPad Pro models earlier this year, a new report has come out that claims that we could see new entry-level iPad and iPad mini models as soon as later this year.
Apple is reportedly working on a new iPad with a 10.8-inch screen as well as a new iPad mini with an 8.5 to 9-inch display. That's according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors), who has accurately leaked Apple news in the past. The 10.8-inch iPad is reportedly set to launch in the second half of 2020 while the new iPad Mini may launch in the first half of 2021.
It's also said that both of these new iPad models will follow the iPhone SE's product strategy, which means they may have more affordable price points with fast processors.
If this rumor is accurate, then both the iPad and iPad mini will be getting bigger displays. The current entry-level iPad has a 10.2-inch display and the iPad mini has a 7.9-inch screen, so the displays on these new models wouldn't be dramatically larger, but they would be increases from the iPads that are currently available.
Starting at $329, Apple's current entry-level iPad is a great deal for anyone in the market for a tablet. An updated model with a slightly larger screen and newer processor would be a good move for Apple, especially if they slim down the bezels a bit in the process. The previous model debuted in September 2019, so we might see this new version arrive in September of this year. And the iPad mini has a devoted group of followers who we're sure who be happy to get a new model.
In the same note to investors this week, Kuo also claimed that Apple is aiming to launch augmented reality glasses in 2022 at the earliest. Rumors say that these glasses could look similar to Facebook's Oculus Quest headset but with fabrics and lightweight materials to make them more comfortable to wear.
