Apple finally sent out the invites today, and Tuesday, October 30 is the day. The event is being held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn New York. While this announcement has been the worst kept secret in tech since the iPhone event wrapped with no iPad news, the date is probably the least interesting part of this announcement and invite. Here are a few things that stand out to me:
Photo Source: Slashleaks
Several new leaked images of the coming iPad Pros have showed up over the past 24 hours courtesy of Slashleaks and mysmartprice. Not only do they look really good, but they also look dead-on similar to each other and to other recent leaks. The closer we get to an announcement, the more credible these leaks become, so I have very high confidence that these images are the real deal.
After another round of leaks and software data mining, it looks like the iPad Pro’s rumored switch from a Lightning Port to USB-C is all but confirmed. This shift is a big deal, as it moves the iPad Pro lineup more in line with Apple’s notebook computers than its smartphones. When you consider that the lower-cost iPad still has Lightning, this becomes an even more notable distinction between devices.
No one but the cool kids have gotten their hands on the new iPhones and Apple Watches yet, and we are already getting fresh reports on what’s coming next. Considering that the news is about the now all but official iPad Pros, I’m all for it.
Photo Source: MySmartPrice
Some new reports of the potential upcoming iPad Pros surfaced yesterday. MySmartPrice and noted device leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, better known as Steve H on Twitter, posted a render of the supposed new 12.9″ iPad Pro based on earlier CAD design leaks. I say supposed because both sources are clear that they aren’t 100% sure about this information.
I’ve been begging for it for the last two years. With the big changes that came with the X, I was hoping that last year would be the year. However, it wasn’t to be. I can understand it, since there was already so much going on with the new design. I thought this would be the year. A new, large screen iPhone X Plus sounded like the perfect candidate. There was even a rumor a few days ago that gave me hope, but I lost a little of it today.
As clear and consistent as the rumors have been, I think we can take them at face value at this point. New iPad Pros with little to no bezels, Face ID, and no Home Buttons are on the way, and could be here as soon as mid-September. Reports have also been consistent that both current sizes, 10.5″ and 12.9″, will be upgraded.
Photo Source: Slashleaks
Just shy of a month ago, I dismissed rumors that Apple would release an iPad Pro with Face ID locked to portrait orientation, as it currently is on the iPhone X. That same report from Japanese site Macotakara also said that, because of Face ID being locked to portrait, Apple would be moving the Smart Connector to a new location just above the Lightning Port. I was completely unconvinced, as none of this made any sense.
Photo Source: 9to5Mac
Rumors and reports on the coming iPad Pro updates have been few and far between over the last eight months, but 9to5Mac and Macotakara have brought a little more information to light over the past few days. Some of it is expected- no headphone jack. Some of it is good- removing the bezels will give us a little more screen real estate on the current 10.5″ model, and a smaller overall size on the 12.9″. However, there is one very concerning bit in yesterday’s Macotakara report.
Photo Source: Steve Troughton-Smith
There have been rumors of a new redesigned iPad Pro with TrueDepth Camera and Face ID, no Home Button, and reduced bezels since the end of last year. Now, courtesy of noted Apple developer Steve Troughton-Smith, we have some real evidence that this device is more than just a rumor.
The hot Apple rumor du jour is that we will be getting a brand new 11″ iPad Pro alongside a refreshed 12.9″ version at WWDC. iPad Pro rumors are nothing new right now, as we have been hearing reports of new Pros with Face ID, no Home Buttons, and much slimmer bezels since late last year. However, today’s report from the Taiwan-based Economic Daily News adds a new twist in predicting that the current 10.5″ model will jump up to a larger 11″ screen.