All iPads 10.8” iPad

[Marlon DLTH :)]

Kuo recently said that Apple is working on a 10.8" iPad (probably Air). So I decided to put a 10.8" screen in the body of the 11" iPad Pro. To me this makes a lot of sense. Using the iPad Pro body will allow it to be compatible with Apple Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard (which means more revenue for Apple). Also, according to Mac Otakara, the iPad Air will have USB-C, which is another reason why the first-generation Apple Pencil doesn't make sense (it uses the iPad's lightning port, but it won't be there).

The 10.8" screen with square edges will make it look different from the iPad Pro and won't cannibalize it sales (something Apple definitely doesn't want). So for me makes sense. It’s the new design with Face ID and USB-C, but at the same time it looks cheaper than the iPad Pro, which will allow it to be at the same iPad Air $499 price tag.

PS: measurements aren’t exact

 

[Tekguy0]

Wouldn't they want to shrink those bezels though? They look pretty thick for a device without a home button.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

Wouldn't they want to shrink those bezels though? They look pretty thick for a device without a home button.

I know, but this is how it would look with a 10.8 inch screen, unless they make the device smaller (which I doubt)

 

[Tekguy0]

At this point, I fail to see what purpose the Air fills. The regular iPad can do pretty much everything the Air can, minus some quality-of-life enhancements, while the Pro models are there for those who need tons of power or the very best. I don't expect it to stick around when the base model gets a chip update, which would probably be to the A12, which the Air currently has.

 

[snipr125]

I’m pretty sure the new 10.8” IPad will be the next entry level iPad with an A12 soc. The new Air will go straight into the 2018 IPad Pro 11 chassis with an A13 SoC, minus quad speakers and 120 MHz screen (Maybe in screen Touch ID). The new Ipad Pro will have A14X, Face ID, 120 MHz screen, quad speakers and more pro like features (possibly mini led screen).

edit: new ipad Air will, have the A14 SoC not A13.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Wouldn't they want to shrink those bezels though? They look pretty thick for a device without a home button.

Yeah, they remind me of the iPad 1/2/3/4 bezels.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

At this point, I fail to see what purpose the Air fills. The regular iPad can do pretty much everything the Air can, minus some quality-of-life enhancements, while the Pro models are there for those who need tons of power or the very best. I don't expect it to stick around when the base model gets a chip update, which would probably be to the A12, which the Air currently has.

Right now I agree with you. But if they make an iPad Air with USB-C and compatible with the MK and Apple Pencil 2 at $499, I’m in. For my use, $800 for an iPad is too much.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

Yeah, they remind me of the iPad 1/2/3/4 bezels.

It looks like the Surface Go

 

[JBGoode]

At this point, I fail to see what purpose the Air fills. The regular iPad can do pretty much everything the Air can, minus some quality-of-life enhancements, while the Pro models are there for those who need tons of power or the very best. I don't expect it to stick around when the base model gets a chip update, which would probably be to the A12, which the Air currently has.

The Air is for those that want a better screen and faster processor without going full blown Pro. Those “quality of life enhancements” are well worth it to some people. Let's face it, the non-laminated screen looks like crap (compared to laminated, wide color gamut of Air) and the A10 is getting long in the tooth. I would not buy a base model iPad but I would buy an Air (if I didn't already have a 10.5 Pro). The Air is for consumers like me who like speedy devices and beautiful screens but may not want to shell out another $300 for a Pro model.

The Air isn't going anywhere. Solid rumors indicate it, along with the mini, may be getting Pro-like refreshes within the year and may have mini-LED screens.

 

[BigDO]

At this point, I fail to see what purpose the Air fills. The regular iPad can do pretty much everything the Air can, minus some quality-of-life enhancements, while the Pro models are there for those who need tons of power or the very best. I don't expect it to stick around when the base model gets a chip update, which would probably be to the A12, which the Air currently has.

There’s a big difference in real world use cases between the two. Most obvious is the screen, using a pencil on a non - laminated screen is a really poor experience.

 

[EugW]

Wouldn't they want to shrink those bezels though? They look pretty thick for a device without a home button.

Because as mentioned it could then use the same case accessories, esp. the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.

 

[jb1280]

Because as mentioned it could then use the same case accessories, esp. the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.

yeah, I think this is exactly right. A display not quite as nice as the Pro; new smart connector, Magic Keyboard, Pencil 2,USB-C, second gen smart connector.

they could even leave an A12 Bionic, depending on when it’s released.

I think they could sell a lot of these

EDIT: also, no LIDAR updated Camera

 

[fromsixtozero]

If they don't go with quad speakers, they could at least put one on the upper side an one down, like samsung s6 lite. So there would be some kind of stereo sound, but not as good as pro with quad speakers.

 

[Tekguy0]

Because as mentioned it could then use the same case accessories, esp. the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.

Yeah, but if they sold two different sizes, then they could make more $$$ from people who buy the air and the pro. A very Apple thing to do IMO.

There’s a big difference in real world use cases between the two. Most obvious is the screen, using a pencil on a non - laminated screen is a really poor experience.

And what about those ppl who simply buy it to watch netflix, do a bit of productivity, and don't want to spend a ton on a device or accompanying accessories.

 

[EugW]

Yeah, but if they sold two different sizes, then they could make more $$$ from people who buy the air and the pro. A very Apple thing to do IMO.

Currently, the 10.2” iPad, the 10.5” iPad Air, and the 10.5” iPad Pro (available through the refurb store) all use the same keyboard.

 

[JPack]

Kuo specifically states the 10.8" iPad is a low-cost product, not the iPad Air.

In terms of chassis, the 10.8" will likely use an enlarged 10.2" chassis. Just like the 10.2" uses an enlarged 9.7" chassis.

 

[rui no onna]

Kuo specifically states the 10.8" iPad is a low-cost product, not the iPad Air.

In terms of chassis, the 10.8" will likely use an enlarged 10.2" chassis. Just like the 10.2" uses an enlarged 9.7" chassis.

Alternately, Apple could do as the OP describes and go for iPad Pro 11 chassis but with bigger bezels.

While I doubt there are many who'll buy a $300 Magic Keyboard for a $300 iPad, it does simplify accessories support. Besides, the $129 Apple Pencil 2 isn't that much of a stretch from the AP1.

 

[JPack]

Alternately, Apple could do as the OP describes and go for iPad Pro 11 chassis but with bigger bezels.

While I doubt there are many who'll buy a $300 Magic Keyboard for a $300 iPad, it does simplify accessories support. Besides, the $129 Apple Pencil 2 isn't that much of a stretch from the AP1.

That's extremely unlikely if you study the iPad Pro 11" chassis. The chassis was designed to accommodate 8 speakers (4 tweeters, 4 woofers) along with the Pencil charging coil at the expense of a smaller battery.

The 10.8" iPad will likely remain $329. Is it likely to have 8 speakers and support for Pencil 2? Probably not. Which means Apple would need to redesign the iPad Pro 11" chassis to "reuse" it. Alternatively, Apple can simply enlarge the 10.2" chassis to accommodate a 10.8" display. In fact, that's not even necessary because the 10.2" chassis is already large enough.

The iPad Air (4th gen) is expected to be 11-inch. I would expect that product to use the iPad Pro 11" chassis.

 

[snipr125]

That's extremely unlikely if you study the iPad Pro 11" chassis. The chassis was designed to accommodate 8 speakers (4 tweeters, 4 woofers) along with the Pencil charging coil at the expense of a smaller battery.

The 10.8" iPad will likely remain $329. Is it likely to have 8 speakers and support for Pencil 2? Probably not. Which means Apple would need to redesign the iPad Pro 11" chassis to "reuse" it. Alternatively, Apple can simply enlarge the 10.2" chassis to accommodate a 10.8" display. In fact, that's not even necessary because the 10.2" chassis is already large enough.

The iPad Air (4th gen) is expected to be 11-inch. I would expect that product to use the iPad Pro 11" chassis.

Yes I agree the Air 4 will go straight into the 2018 IPad Pro 11 chassis in its entirety with a A14 and some features removed like pro motion and part of the 4 speaker system. If we’re lucky will be 4gb Ram. I reckon Face ID will be taken out of the bezel to cut costs in favour of in screen Touch ID which will be cheaper to implement to hit that £479 price. Basically it will be just like how the Air 3 has ”reused” the previous gen iPP pro 10.5 chassis (Sorry I have kind of repeated what I posted earlier in this thread!).

 

[fromsixtozero]

Air is 499$. Pro is 799$. The difference between those two cannot be just promotion, 2 more speakers and A14X instead of A14. They would completely canibalize sales of current 2020 Pro and potentially also 2021 Pro. If they go with Pro chassis and display assembly for the new Air, then they need to make sure the Pro is still a lot better in other ways so "pro users" have a reason to shell out 300$ more.

 

[rui no onna]

That's extremely unlikely if you study the iPad Pro 11" chassis. The chassis was designed to accommodate 8 speakers (4 tweeters, 4 woofers) along with the Pencil charging coil at the expense of a smaller battery.

The 10.8" iPad will likely remain $329. Is it likely to have 8 speakers and support for Pencil 2? Probably not. Which means Apple would need to redesign the iPad Pro 11" chassis to "reuse" it. Alternatively, Apple can simply enlarge the 10.2" chassis to accommodate a 10.8" display. In fact, that's not even necessary because the 10.2" chassis is already large enough.

The iPad Air (4th gen) is expected to be 11-inch. I would expect that product to use the iPad Pro 11" chassis.

4 speaker configuration? Nope. Apple made very minor alterations to the Pro 10.5 chassis for the Air 3. I expect something similar here. That empty space could easily be left as-is or filled by battery or reinforcing material.

Apple Pencil 2 support? Yes, I think that would be one of the goals when Apple does change chassis with the next generation.

The 2019 iPad 10.2" is a similar chassis to the Air 3 just made thicker.

 

[JPack]

4 speaker configuration? Nope. Apple made very minor alterations to the Pro 10.5 chassis for the Air 3. I expect something similar here. That empty space could easily be left as-is or filled by battery or reinforcing material.

Apple Pencil 2 support? Yes, I think that would be one of the goals when Apple does change chassis with the next generation.

The 2019 iPad 10.2" is a similar chassis to the Air 3 just made thicker.

I agree with your points on the features for the iPad Air 4

With regards to the 10.2" iPad, it has an entirely different chassis compared to the 10.5" Air 3.
[automerge]1591728881[/automerge]

Yes I agree the Air 4 will go straight into the 2018 IPad Pro 11 chassis in its entirety with a A14 and some features removed like pro motion and part of the 4 speaker system. If we’re lucky will be 4gb Ram. I reckon Face ID will be taken out of the bezel to cut costs in favour of in screen Touch ID which will be cheaper to implement to hit that £479 price. Basically it will be just like how the Air 3 has ”reused” the previous gen iPP pro 10.5 chassis (Sorry I have kind of repeated what I posted earlier in this thread!).

I think that's a given. The confusion here is the OP believes the Air 4 will be 10.8", which won't be the case because Kuo states otherwise.

 

[rui no onna]

I agree with your points on the features for the iPad Air 4

With regards to the 10.2" iPad, it has an entirely different chassis compared to the 10.5" Air 3.

I have both and the only difference is thickness and bezels.

 

[JPack]

I have both and the only difference is thickness and bezels.

If you open them up, you'll see the 10.2" and 10.5" are entirely different. The 10.5" has much more room allocated to speakers and the display controller, while the 10.2" uses that space for battery.

 

[rui no onna]

If you open them up, you'll see the 10.2" and 10.5" are entirely different. The 10.5" has much more room allocated to speakers and the display controller, while the 10.2" uses that space for battery.

View attachment 922834 View attachment 922838

Again, nothing preventing Apple from doing exactly the same thing with the hypothetical 10.8" iPad. Similar outside shell, different internal layout.

They could even just leave the extra space empty or fill it with plastic or metal spacers if they so desire. Note that the Air 3 only has stereo speakers, not quad. It seems like Apple put some plastic spacers where the top speakers were located on the Pro 10.5.

Apple increased the size of the basic iPad to 10.2" so it will be compatible with the Smart Keyboard that the Air 3 and Pro 10.5 use. I honestly don't see much point in them changing the shell again unless it's for a similar purpose (Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2 compatibility). Having the same accessories shared across the various models would also make iPad upgrades and the decision to buy these expensive accessories easier.