A 10.5-Inch iPad Pro Could Match the 12.9-Inch Model's Resolution and the iPad Mini's Pixel Density

[MacRumors]

Apple is rumored to be working on a new iPad Pro that adopts an edge-to-edge display, and while it's said to be somewhere around 10 inches, there are a lot of mixed rumors about the specific size of the tablet.

Studio Neat designer Dan Provost yesterday wrote a post on Medium (via Daring Fireball) making the case for a 10.5-inch iPad. His math is solid and his argument makes sense, framing all of the iPad Pro rumors in a new light.

When introducing the 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2015, Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller explained that Apple settled on that size because the width of the tablet matched the height of the existing 9.7-inch iPad. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro, he said, was similar to having two 9.7-inch iPads side-by-side.

A 9.7-inch iPad Pro with a 10.5-inch piece of paper over it, via Provost​

Provost takes this concept and applies it to the iPad mini. The width of a 10.5-inch iPad would match the height of the iPad mini screen, and furthermore, a 10.5-inch iPad would use the same resolution as the 12.9-inch model, with the same pixel density as the iPad mini.

The math works out perfectly. This new 10.5" iPad would have the exact same resolution as the 12.9" iPad Pro (2732 x 2048), but the same pixel density of the iPad mini (326 ppi instead of 264 ppi). Crunch the numbers, do a little Pythagorean Theorem, and you end up with a screen 10.5" diagonal (10.47" to be precise, but none of Apple's stated screen sizes are exact). In terms of physcial dimensions, the width of this 10.5" screen would be exactly the same as the height of the iPad mini screen.

Existing rumors all agree that the upcoming iPad Pro will be in the neighborhood of 10 inches, but we've heard everything from 10.1 inches to 10.9 inches, suggesting Apple could be testing multiple prototypes.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo originally suggested the tablet would be 10.5 inches, but recently revised his statement to say that it could be anywhere from 10 inches to 10.5 inches.

Japanese site Mac Otakara has released two separate reports, one mentioning a 10.1-inch tablet and the other suggesting the display will measure in at 10.9 inches, while rumors from the Taiwanese supply chain suggest a 10.5-inch display.

While we can't yet say for certain the iPad Pro will feature a 10.5-inch display, it's the size that makes the most sense and fits well into Apple's lineup.

The upcoming iPad Pro is said to be a new flagship model that will be sold alongside the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It's said to feature an edge-to-edge display with no Home button and a small top bezel.

Article Link: A 10.5-Inch iPad Pro Could Match the 12.9-Inch Model's Resolution and the iPad Mini's Pixel Density

 

[Jsameds]

If this is correct it's a day one purchase for me.

 

[yaxomoxay]

that would be neat

 

[NinjaHERO]

I've been waiting for the 2nd gen 12.9 Ipad. Super excited. Would love to see some type of pencil update as well. Although not sure what that might be other than different tips.

 

[Jack Delgado]

That screen-to-bezel ratio is tasty in the picture. Let's pair that sucker with some real OS capabilities.

 

[joeblow7777]

We know that Apple isn't going to make this thing thicker, so if it's the size of a 9.7" iPad which a larger display and way more pixels, what does this suggest for battery life?

 

[Apple 26.2]

10.5" iPad Pro? Depending on the specs, I can be convinced.

 

[The Game 161]

be the perfect in between size for me

guessing no upgraded 12.9 then just the 10.5

 

[AppleInLVX]

I'd buy one immediately, as long as it still had the True Tone Display. This is the one that I've been waiting to replace my 9.7 iPad Air 2

 

[lightmyway]

Why not additionally increase the screen size on the 12.9" using the same method?

 

[LordQ]

As long as it replaces the 9.7" rather than making it a fourth option, it should be good.

And I am still wondering why the iPhone 7 did not include a True Tone display.

 

[amcomis]

Guessing this will include a price increase

 

[gim]

I still won't buy an overpriced "Pro" device for media comsumption.

 

[Return Zero]

We know that Apple isn't going to make this thing thicker, so if it's the size of a 9.7" iPad which a larger display and way more pixels, what does this suggest for battery life?

It will be 10-12 hours rated by Apple, I can almost guarantee it. The A10X fusion chip, or whatever this ends up using, will offset the display consumption.

 

[justperry]

To confuse customers even more, 4 different sizes, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, 3 different colours, what more....

 

[Popeye206]

Where's the 32 inch version? Seriously looking forward to the next refresh... might have to finally upgrade our iPad2 even though it still works just fine... just getting slow.

 

[agsystems]

Nice - what would they priced this at? $ 699 for 32GB?

 

[FrenchRoasted]

I still won't buy an overpriced "Pro" device for media comsumption.

Everyone has an opinion as to what a "Pro" device should be, but if you ask me, it should at least have a decent file manager. Even cheap Chrome books have that.

 

[macmee]

This makes me angry beyond belief

I just bought a 9.7" pro last year

now I'm going to want this newer larger model as well

 

[joeblow7777]

It will be 10-12 hours rated by Apple, I can almost guarantee it. The A10X fusion chip, or whatever this ends up using, will offset the display consumption.

That's optimistic of you, but powering high definition displays takes a lot of energy. I don't know how much more they can optimize these processors to compensate, especially since Apple likes to keep making things thinner and thereby make the battery even smaller.

 

[Ptjones1968]

Where's the 32 inch version? Seriously looking forward to the next refresh... might have to finally upgrade our iPad2 even though it still works just fine... just getting slow.

It's the same with my iPad 3. Getting fed up trying to find that 30 pin connector every time too. Just hope they don't do a model update 6 months into the cycle. Felt stiffed at the time.

 

[BornAgainMac]

If this is correct it's a day one purchase for me.

This is Apple. It will be sold out after midnight for pre-orders. Nothing in the Apple store for months. 2 month waiting list.

 

[arpiggies]

We know that Apple isn't going to make this thing thicker, so if it's the size of a 9.7" iPad which a larger display and way more pixels, what does this suggest for battery life?

Actually, it will be a tad thicker.

 

[joeblow7777]

This makes me angry beyond belief

I just bought a 9.7" pro last year

now I'm going to want this newer larger model as well

Newsflash: There's always a new and better model coming within a year.

 

[arpiggies]

This is Apple. It will be sold out after midnight for pre-orders. Nothing in the Apple store for months. 2 month waiting list.

Carriers will have plenty.