The recently redesigned iPad Pro came with a lot of new features such as thinner bezels and Face ID, leading many to hope that lower-cost iPads in its lineup would eventually receive a similar set of upgrades.
However, that might not be the case after all. Face ID might just be a tad bit too costly for Apple to put on its lower-cost models.
Developer Steve Troughton-Smith has discovered that the iPad references hidden within the code for iOS 12.2 beta don't mention Face ID, which suggests the company might stick to Touch ID for its future entry-level iPads. Having Touch ID means the home button would remain, and that, in turn, means thicker bezels.
Why Face ID Won't Be On The Next Low-Cost iPad
This should perhaps come as no surprise. Slimmer bezels and Face ID would probably only make the low-cost iPads more expensive, and Apple is most likely trying to keep them within reach of budget-conscious consumers as much as possible. It also suggests that it might take a while before these next-generation features become part of Apple's more affordable offerings.
New iPod Touch Might Be Coming
The same code referencing the new iPad also includes mention of what appears to be a new iPod touch. It seems Apple hasn't forgotten about its media player, the last iPod model it's still actively selling. The code doesn't contain information on exactly what's new, it appears it also won't have Face ID. It won't even have Touch ID. For speculation's sake, it'll most likely just receive a faster chip and not much else.
In any case, it's interesting that Apple is still offering the iPod touch. The product doesn't really make sense in the current landscape, with the media player outpaced by much cheaper, say, midrange phones that can offer a lot more.
But beyond a low-cost iPad and a new, faster iPod touch, there might be more up Apple's sleeve. Six iPad variants cleared the Eurasian Economic Commission's certification process just recently, hinting that there could be an upgraded iPad mini in the works. There have been rumors of a newer iPad mini with faster specs for quite some time now, so this doesn't seem much of a stretch. Whether it's coming or not, it's clear that Apple has many surprises — well, they're not surprises now — for 2019, so make sure to check back with Tech Times as we learn more.
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