Aside from the iPad Pro and Air, the entry-level iPad has been getting yearly updates with minimal tweaks. However, TechRadar reports that there will be a huge difference this year as one of those 'small' changes is a big increase in size.
According to an article published by Macrumors, the new iPad in 2020 will have a huge 10.8-inch screen, which is a step up from the 10.2 inches 2019 iPad or the iPad 9.7 in 2018.
The investor's note was written by Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a great track record for Apple leaks. Kuo also claimed that a new iPad mini will be launched in the first half of 2021. Similarly, it will have an 8.5 to 9-inch screen, which is much bigger than the 7.9-inch display iPad mini 2019. If the new iPad mini gets 9 inches, the change would be more dramatic.
If Kuo's note is correct, then Apple seems to promote a larger iPad range. If the trend continues, then the iPad Air and iPad Pro models may also get a size increase. However, the latter is already huge at 12.9 inches, so any added size would make it bigger than some Apple laptops.
Kuo previously leaked that Apple is adding a mini-LED display on the iPad mini, which is rumored to be released by the end of the year. However, it is not clear if the larger iPad mini is the same as the one with a mini-LED display.
Meanwhile, two new iPad models are believed to follow the iPhone SE's product strategy, which means affordable price points. Both iPads would be larger than the current models with the 10.8 and 8.5 to 9 inches upgrade.
iPad screen supplier
Apple is predicted to launch the new bigger versions of both iPad and inch iPad mini models in 2H20 and 1H21, respectively, while GIS will be the main touch panel supplier. These new iPad models will follow iPhone SE's product strategy while highlighting its lower price and the adoption of fast chips as its selling point.
The largest medium-size touch supplier GIS seems to be the primary touch panel supplier for these two new iPad models, thanks to the cost advantages of Megasite. Kuo thinks these two new affordable iPad models will significantly increase GIS's revenue as cheaper affordable models cover 60% to 70% of total iPad shipments.
Other Apple updates
Recently, Taiwanese site DigiTimes also reported that Apple's AR glasses might be launched in 2022. There are rumors that Apple's first AR headset will be a sleek version of Facebook's Oculus Quest. It is said to use fabrics and lightweight materials to make it comfortable to wear for a long time.
Apple Glasses are also said to rely on iPhone for processing power to keep them slim and lightweight and are expected to run a new operating system, rOS (or reality OS). Apple is also seen to be exploring touch panels, voice activation, and head gestures for control.
