Alleged 10.8-Inch iPad Design Schematics Emerge

[profets]

Everyone used to complain that they wanted more choice, and now that the iPad lineup has a lot of choice there still seems to be so much complaining. I guess that’s just the nature of the beast though.

In general I do feel like there’s a lot of options when you see 4 models: iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro.

To me its clear what they’re doing, especially with covering a nice range of price points. Though I do wish they’d clean it up a bit, maybe collapse iPad mini and iPad Air into a single segment, especially given that recent iterations of those devices have been just about identical spec-wise.

iPad (10.2)
iPad Air (7.9 & 10.5)
iPad Pro (11 and 12.9)

And of course with this recent all screen iPad Air update with the 10.5 seemingly going to 10.8, it would be awesome to see the 7.9 get similar treatment.

 

[PickUrPoison]

I’m guessing price increase since it is now an iPad Pro lite.
I really don’t understand why Apple keeps pushing iPads up on the price ladder. In the past, the focus was to keep the pricing low or even make it less so more people can get it (In the past, Apple worked so hard keeping the flagship iPad to start at $499).

Remember this lineup? Look at the starting prices, and compare it to today.
View attachment 948857

So:

Mini 3 was $399, mini 5 is $399.
9.7” iPad was $399, now it’s $329.
Air 2 was $499, Air 3 is $499.

Prices go up when costs go up, e.g. pre-Retina—> Retina mini.

Prices go down when costs go down, like when Apple cost reduced the base iPad to $329.

 

[Mainsail]

In theory this would replace the 10.5. The 9.7 form factor is also dead

It would be 10.2 (like iphone SE/budget), 10.8 Air (like XR/11), 11 Pro (Pro) and 12.9 Pro (Pro Max)

There are ample people who want an appox 11 inch display device but not for $799; but also not the budget $329 one with Touch ID and thick bezels

This Air/10.8 would replace the Air in that middle ground. Closer to a Pro look/features without the Pro pricepoint. Think iPhone XR/11; no touch ID and thick 2010 bezels budge device, but not Pro specs either. Presumably at the $499-550 price point.

It will sell a ton in that middle ground.

I agree with you. There is a market for a budget iPad 10.2 starting in the low $300 (like the iPhone SE). There is a market for a mid tier iPad 10.8 starting in the high $400s (like the XR). And, there is a market for a Pro model starting at $800, with two size variations.

I think the consumer needs to be a little careful with investing in these pricey accessories. Even at the mid tier, you add $499 iPad plus $300 Magic KB plus $125 pencil, and you are looking at over $900, which is more than the 2020 MBA with education discount and complementary earpods.

 

[MacAttack2024]

I honestly can not keep up with the line up. This is insane!

same. Can the average consumer keep up either? They are looking at an iPad usually based on size and then price. Just sell the same design in different sizes. So much additional work and time spent on irrelevant branding.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

I honestly can no longer keep track of the differences between the three ipad lines.

For me it’s clear.

The entry-level iPad is for almost everyone who is just looking for a consumption device, to use social media, Netflix, YouTube, and more.

The iPad Air is for the same kind of users but for those ones who want a better display and a better processor. The iPad Air is also a great option for artist creators who don’t have the money to buy an iPad Pro.

The iPad Mini is just a smaller version of the iPad Air.

And the iPad Pro, it’s the flagship one, with the best specs.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Where I disagree is that my wife needs a new ipad. I want to get her the cheapest one that makes sense given her needs, the expected longevity of the device, compatibility with pencils and keyboards that we have sitting around from old devices, the expected plan to hand it down to my daughter in a couple years, etc. So here I go, from page to page, trying to figure out what’s what. Not clear at all.

Apple’s comparison tool has quite a bit of info, if you’re talking about current models. Assuming you don’t want the budget model, it’s basically between the Air and Pro.

iPad - Compare Models

Compare resolution, size, weight, performance, battery life, and storage of iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models.

www.apple.com

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

same. Can the average consumer keep up either? They are looking at an iPad usually based on size and then price. Just sell the same design in different sizes. So much additional work and time spent on irrelevant branding.

The average consumer doesn’t care about that. They buy the budget iPad or the iPad Air if they have more budget. I just asked my friends who have bought an iPad in the last weeks and they felt the difference between the models more than clear.

 

[Doomtomb]

The budget iPad is a far better deal than the Air line. The Pro makes sense but this thing is caught in no man's land.

iPad mini 64GB WiFi $399 differentiating feature: smaller
iPad 32GB WiFi $329 differentiating feature: its price
iPad Air 64GB WiFi $499 differentiating feature: laminated display
iPad Pro 11" 128GB WiFi $799 / 12.9" $999 differentiating feature: computer replacement

 

[TheIntruder]

My theory --

The schematics are authentic. They come from the Accessory Design Guidelines that Apple publishes for 3rd party manufacturers who make cases and other accessories.

However, they are too small to discern anything other than they generally resemble the 2018 iPads Pro, and the original source does not provide larger images that provide more detail.

Without that detail, it is only a guess, and the drawings in question can easily be misinterpreted, if not misrepresented, as the new base model iPad.

The base model iPad is so cheap because it's a parts bin rehash. For any new model to receive features like Face ID, when more seemingly credible leaks like the recent "Air 4" booklet suggest that it will lack that feature, go against the logic of Apple's product segmentation.

Therefore, there is a solid probability that the 2018's Pro schematics are being misrepresented as something new, and the other factors also add weight. In lieu of clearer, better detailed drawings, there is no way to discount that possibility.

Otherwise, this rumor is no better than a blurry picture of a hairy biped being confirmed as Sasquatch, rather than a man in a suit.

There must be better evidence for the assertion to be taken more seriously.

 

[Piggie]

If Steve Jobs rose from the dead and wanted to buy an iPad he'd not have any clue which one to buy or what model did or didn't do what.
Apple has made a mess of the iPad line and needs to clean it up.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

I honestly can no longer keep track of the differences between the three ipad lines.

Four iPad lines!

 

[kazmac]

If it’s the iPad Air 4 or 2020 iPad (8th gen) and has more RAM & Apple Pencil 2, I’ll upgrade.

 

[Zdigital2015]

Too many SKUs! Apple should just go back to releasing one iPhone and one iPad each year.

So you want a 12.9" iPad Pro and an iPhone 12 Pro Max? Because those are what I want...and if you don't, oh well. Because that's what I want and I don't care what you want. See how well that works out...for me.

Next absurdist statement in 3, 2, 1...

 

[1144557]

You’re misinformed. Any increases in prices overall are entirely due to increases in Apple’s costs. Their profit margins have basically been flat or decreasing since Tim Cook took over:

View attachment 948916

Apple Profit Margin 2010-2025 | AAPL

Current and historical gross margin, operating margin and net profit margin for Apple (AAPL) over the last 10 years. Profit margin can be defined as the percentage of revenue that a company retains as income after the deduction of expenses. Apple net profit margin as of March 31, 2025 is...

www.macrotrends.net

Oh the horror!!! Poor Apple!

Timmy only cashed in $282 million of stock, more than the combined net worth of everyone here but in one transaction

I never claimed their margin was going up; or any way in fact. Percent means nothing. They may be spending more (and exec compensation) and making more resulting in a level margin, but their profit number itself is increasing.

It also doesnt mean a proportional increase in component cost is the only reason (or even a small portion) for a price increase. That is merely an assumption.

You can have a profit margin of 20% making $100 million or 20% making $200 billion. Which is the bigger profit? I dont care what it was 10 year ago or a level margin, that isnt the point.

Apple has RECORD profits and valuation for a reason. They have the highest mobile profits while not shipping the most phones for a reason. Which 20% is more than the industry standard. Samsung's is only about 10%. So no, I dont feel bad for a faceless corporation making too much profit here.

 

[smulji]

Considering the iPad is primarily a consumption and entertainment device, particularly for watching movies and playing games, it’s ridiculous that Apple withholds the 4-speaker array from the non-Pro models.

Finally, someone gets it.

 

[cwwilson]

Looks as though the headphone jack is getting dropped this time round...

Not a big deal anymore. I have a Beats Pill+ and a Bose Soundlink mini and they both sound great. Don’t forget that you can also get Airpods for a good price if you know where to look.

Headphone jacks are going the way of the dodo and are being phased out of most of the premium name brand devices anyway so it may just be time to move on.

 

[jlozoya]

Same. Let me try and understand this: a $300-ish base iPad will support a $300-ish keyboard accessory? I have a 7th gen iPad and an iPad Air 3, and the smart keyboard cover works with them both. If this rumor is even slightly true, which I am 50/50 on (I would think this is a new Air but that's just me) then most likely....I'll pass. Cannot justify a $300+ keyboard accessory for an iPad. Double the price just for a keyboard?

Believe it or not, my usage of ipads has decreased rather than increased lately. Much prefer my MacBook air/pro, and use the ipads mostly at night for in bed reading. That's just me.

Given your usage, why do you care about the price of the keyboard accessory at all?

 

[gnasher729]

Amazingly, it is rectangular with rounded corners...

 

[slimejester]

I don’t think the iPad lineup is that confusing. Just hope the 2020 iPP doesn’t get a refresh so quickly. New Air looks like the ultimate gateway to the iPad Pro. If they can keep it $499, it’s a killer device.

 

[DummyFool]

The quad speakers of the pro were a big thing to my. Disappointed the air won't have them. The 2 speakers are not that great for media consumption.

 

[canned_tuna_og]

Fire Cook. Fire him tomorrow. Apple has been snooze city since the mid-2010s. I can't believe he's still nickel and diming in the subscription space while other brands innovate. Cook is zero sum, zero risk; thus, zero reward for the consumer. Jobs was a pill, but he was a true creative and pushed the brand beyond conception. Cook has and always will be a sales and marketing guy: switches up colors, tweaks the names, moves the power button around, rounded corners + rectangular screen, rectangular corners + rounded screen, adds a few bumps, a few notches. That's Cook alright. Don't forget the buggy software, the faulty hardware, and a good bet that a new product cycle means one less included accessory (MacBook came with a remote once upon a time). Apple was ideal; now I struggle with it. The only thing keeping me around is the convenience of knowing the OS and full system integration.

 

[robertcoogan]

Apparently Apple is bringing back the butterfly keyboard with the ARM Macbooks.

ARM-Based MacBook Specs Shared by Leakster; 12-inch Retina Display, 4th-Gen Butterfly Keyboard, $849 Starting Price, and More

The rumored ARM-based 12-inch MacBook specs have been shared by a tipster once more and they look highly promising

wccftech.com

 

[canned_tuna_og]

You can definitely return it when the new one comes out. Aren’t they saying September 7th?

My child has the 6 and we love it. Kids ding and scratch things. My wallet cries less when they ding and scratch a killer base model. I got the cellular for $99. Besides, in my experience, the base model does not bend as easily as the pro.

 

[slimejester]

My child has the 6 and we love it. Kids ding and scratch things. My wallet cries less when they ding and scratch a killer base model. I got the cellular for $99. Besides, in my experience, the base model does not bend as easily as the pro.

Yes, I upgraded from the 6 and it was honestly great. I think new buyers, even buying for kids, should wait until the 8th generation drops. I mean, Apple could time it perfectly with kids going back to school. 6 and 7th gens are still great though especially if you can grab one for as low as you did.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

Apple has RECORD profits and valuation for a reason.

That reason is services.