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Hands-On With Cases Designed for 2020 iPad Pro Models

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Apple is working on updated 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models that are set to be released in the first half of 2020, perhaps as soon as March if rumors of a March 31 event are accurate.


Prior to the release of new devices, case makers often scramble to be the first to have cases ready, and there are already iPad Pro cases designed for new models available from Amazon. We picked up a couple of the cases and thought we'd check them out to see what they reveal about the upcoming iPad Pro refresh.

ipad_pro_2020_case_3.jpg

The cases are from Amazon seller Dux Ducis, with options available for both the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, both of which are expected to be refreshed this year.

Size wise, these cases fit the current 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, because we're not expecting any changes to the general design of the iPad Pro. Dimensions and thickness are expected to remain the same with the new models.

There is, however, a square-shaped camera cutout that is meant to accommodate the triple-lens camera that's rumored for the updated iPad Pro models. Triple-lens cameras were first introduced in the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, and are also rumored for Apple's refreshed iPad Pro lineup.

ipad_pro_2020_case_4.jpg

Most people aren't using their iPads for serious photography so we have seen questions about why a tablet would need a triple-lens camera system, but rumors suggest this is a 3D time-of-flight camera system that uses a laser to capture depth information about the world around you.

A time-of-flight camera system measures the time it takes for a laser to get from the camera to the subject in each point of an image, creating a 3D map of the surrounding area. This has interesting implications for augmented reality capabilities, and in a past note, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested the iPad Pro would be able to capture 3D models that could then be edited with the Apple Pencil for an "all-new productivity experience."

ipad_pro_2020_case_1.jpg

This technology is also expected to be introduced in the 2020 iPhones, and it's interesting that rumors indicate new camera functionality is coming to the iPad ahead of when it comes to the iPhone.

Aside from the square-shaped camera cutout, the iPad Pro cases are pretty much identical to cases you can get for current iPad Pro models. A dummy model of the new iPad Pro that we got last year does fit into the new case perfectly.

ipad_pro_2020_case_2.jpg

Along with these cases from Amazon, major manufacturers like Pad & Quill have also started offering cases for the 2020 iPad Pro models, which is a hint that a device launch is likely coming quite soon.

Other than the new camera system, updated iPad Pro models are also expected to feature upgraded processors, and later this year, additional high-end models could come out with features like a mini-LED display and 5G connectivity.

Current rumors suggest that Apple is planning to hold an event on March 31, but it is unclear if coronavirus concerns might impact Apple's plans as there are rumors of production delays and potential issues with large gatherings as many companies have been canceling events in recent weeks.

Article Link: Hands-On With Cases Designed for 2020 iPad Pro Models
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/02/28/2020-ipad-pro-case-hands-on/
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That camera bump looks SO MUCH BETTER than the one on the iPhone 11 Pro. Although I’d rather not have a camera bump at all, since that is never going to happen, I hope the camera bump on the upcoming iPhone looks more like this iPad dummy and less like the 11 Pro.
 
I still can’t see Apple going from a 2 year release cycle to releasing two separate iPad Pro models in a single year. If they release new pros in March, then I expect the 5G ones next year. Or maybe the March pro would be a spec bump and the new cameras and 5G by the end of the year at the normal November release?

I’m interested in the new cameras because I use an iPad Pro for recording/uploading class videos. But other than that, I can’t see cameras be a true pro upgrade. PadOS14 should bring interesting features.
 
It is interesting and a bit confusing that it is implied that there may be two updates in 2020. The first likely featuring the new camera system, and one would presume an A13X processor, and the second a mini-LED display, 5G, and possibly an A14X. Something seems odd about this, time will tell I presume.
 
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‘Hands on’ with an unreleased (And unconfirmed) iPad case? Ok. I get it, it’s just a bit....odd.

Anyways, I could see Apple working it’s way with the tri-lens camera for the iPad. It’s a marketing point and sometimes I think the iPad camera is a bit ‘forgotten’, this easily is a way to make it renowned. It definitely would have its use cases.
 
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I've always wanted from day 1 for the iPad should have a great camera.
It always used to upset me that for many years Apple did not treat a iPad camera as anything important.

What frustrated me also was the very very many people on these forums who always used to insist the iPad's should either not have a camera at all, or only have a very basic one.

Do we still have a load of people who still hold that view I wonder?
 
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Piggie said:
I've always wanted from day 1 for the iPad should have a great camera.
It always used to upset me that for many years Apple did not treat a iPad camera as anything important.

What frustrated me also was the very very many people on these forums who always used to insist the iPad's should either not have a camera at all, or only have a very basic one.

Do we still have a load of people who still hold that view I wonder?
Click to expand...

I would imagine anyone that has ever been sitting at their kids concert or some other event with their view blocked by a dimwit filming it with an iPad would still hold that view.

Cameras do not have 12" displays for a reason.
 
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The "upgraded" camera might be one of those things that Apple does that I never knew I wanted. Oh well, if they add other improvements a new camera wouldn't hurt. Though I don't think my Fujifilm XPro-3 will be jealous :p
 
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brucewayne said:
I would imagine anyone that has ever been sitting at their kids concert or some other event with their view blocked by a dimwit filming it with an iPad would still hold that view.

Cameras do not have 12" displays for a reason.
Click to expand...

Agreed, but I’ve never seen people using an iPad as in your example. But I’ve seen a lot of teachers/instructors/videographers using iPads to record entertaining/instructional videos. Having the best available cameras work great for that type of setup.
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Relentless Power said:
‘Hands on’ with an unreleased (And unconfirmed) iPad case? Ok. I get it, it’s just a bit....odd.

Anyways, I could see Apple working it’s way with the tri-lens camera for the iPad. It’s a marketing point and sometimes I think the iPad camera is a bit ‘forgotten’, this easily is a way to make it renowned. It definitely would have its use cases.
Click to expand...

This is MacRUMORS... It’s not odd at all that they would do a hands on with a rumored case design Of a rumored iPad redesign.
 
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brucewayne said:
I would imagine anyone that has ever been sitting at their kids concert or some other event with their view blocked by a dimwit filming it with an iPad would still hold that view.

Cameras do not have 12" displays for a reason.
Click to expand...

I agree about such a usage would be annoying.
But that would like me saying cars should not go fast as a few people speed.
Just because an iPad has an excellent camera does not mean everyone will use the device badly.

I welcome the best Camera, Speakers and everything else than technology will allow to give me the benefit of being able to be as creative as possible and not artificially limited simply because a few people do stupid things.

I'm sure you would not items you enjoy removed from you, simply because a few people use the same thing poorly.
 
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Trackpad = better pointer design in the next iPadOS. I'll take it. But the dream would be an iPad Pro able to run macOS and, by the flip of a button, switch back to iPadOS.

At my desk, I would have a iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard + Magic Mouse + external display = full macOS experience
Everywhere else, I would have the iPad Pro alone enjoying an iOS-style experience. On the go, you can't beat the 468/631 grams even with a new 12" ARM MacBook.
 
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brucewayne said:
I would imagine anyone that has ever been sitting at their kids concert or some other event with their view blocked by a dimwit filming it with an iPad would still hold that view.

Cameras do not have 12" displays for a reason.
Click to expand...
A very nice camera with a large screen is quite useful when you need to see details of something very small. More so in bad light. What I want is an iPad camera that can do extreme closeups.
 
Someone needs to remind Apple it’s the software that’s crushing them right now. I know sales are great, but they are a trailing indicators in many ways.

The potential of iPad is limited by software, not the lack of a faster processor or a need for more cameras. iPad OS was a beta that was 5 years late.
 
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Hands-on with case for unreleased Apple product: The case is a case. It has a hole. We can infer from the hole that the new iPad will come with underpants gnome technology, which requires an escape hole for undergarment-toting gnomes.
 
Could this possibly mean that the updated smart keyboard (with or witHout trackpad) might actually work with my 2018 ipp 12.9?

Dare to dream...
 
Two reasons I went ahead and bought current 3rd Gen iPad Pros:

1. The performance is still overkill for the OS so another speed bump wasn’t compelling enough.
2. The uncertainty surrounding production delays caused by coronavirus.

The triple lens setup, while great on my iPhone isn’t necessary for what I need an iPad for. The only think I hope Apple does is offer the trackpad keyboard for 3rd gen iPad Pro. Otherwise I’m fine using my mouse and the current Apple keyboard case.
 
Track pad seems unnecessary on the keyboard of an iPad, but how about some LED lighting that can be turned on or off for the keyboard. Dim environments, including airplanes at night, are tough without the backlighting, and I hate turning on my overhead light on a plane at night when people are napping and watching movies.
 
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