The base model 10.2-inch iPad is expected to be upgraded in the fall alongside the release of the iPhone 14 lineup and Apple Watch Series 8. New schematics, which were recently leaked, tell us a bit more about what we can expect for the 10th-generation iPad.
10th-generation iPad will continue sporting thick bezels and a Home button
The current entry-level iPad, which was unveiled in September 2021, features upgraded internals with the same design as the iPad (2020) as well as a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, True Tone, and 2x the storage of the previous generation. However, the externals of the device are long overdue for an upgrade to match with the rest of Apple’s offerings.
The alleged schematics were shared on MySmartPrice along with specifications of the upcoming 10th-generation iPhone. As per the leak, the display will measure 248.62mm tall by 179.5mm wide by 6.98mm thick, making the device a little wider but slimmer than the current iPad 9.
In addition, the bezels are going to be slightly smaller on the edges. However, it will continue sporting a Touch ID Home button. The biggest design change which can be seen in the schematics is the new flat edges.
The camera bump on the rear end of the device is similar to the iPhone X but it only has one lens along with a flash module. The camera bump can also be seen protruding from the device, suggesting an upgrade to the camera sensor.
As for the charging port, it is cut out in the CAD file with a red line. Though some rumors have suggested that the Cupertino tech giant could add a USB-C port to the 10th-generation iPad, the change will likely make its way to next year’s iPad.
Though the flatter edges and upgraded camera system are exciting features, it does not make sense why Apple would only redesign some of the upgrades. For example, the Home button could easily be removed in favor of a Touch ID-enabled power button which can be found on the iPad Air 5. However, the tech giant may be retaining the Home button in order to save costs.
The 10th-generation iPad is expected to retail with the usual $329 price tag. It is also likely going to feature the two-year-old A14 Bionic chip.
