Low-Cost iPad Not Among the New iPad Models Spotted in Device Logs Earlier This Month

[MacRumors]

Back in mid-March, mobile marketing company Fiksu spotted four new iPad identifiers in its device data, hinting at the imminent release of new hardware.

We did indeed see a new low-cost 9.7-inch iPad introduced via press release on Tuesday, March 21, but as it turns out, the identifiers for the new 9.7-inch iPad don't match up with the iPads Fiksu saw, suggesting there could still be additional iPad models set to be released in the not-so-distant future.

The new iPad's identifier is "iPad6,11" and "iPad6,12," with one number each for for Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. Fiksu, meanwhile, saw the following identifiers in its device logs:

- iPad7,1
- iPad7,2
- iPad7,3
- iPad7,4

These numbers could perhaps refer to new iPad Pro models in two sizes, 12.9-inch and either 9.7-inches or perhaps the new rumored 10.5-inch model. The identifiers Fiksu saw are similar to the existing identifiers for the current 9.7 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models.

- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi) - iPad 6,7
- 12.9 inch iPad Pro (Cellular) - iPad 6,8
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi) - iPad 6,3
- 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Cellular) - iPad 6,4

In the original report, Fiksu said the number of new iPad models in its data was steadily ramping up, and that in its experience, those increasing numbers indicate an "imminent" release. Fiksu suggested the new iPad models could launch within a month, which would put a release somewhere around mid-April.

There has been a lot of confusion around iPad Pro launch timelines. Rumors originally suggested a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro model, and perhaps a new 12.9-inch model would launch in the spring alongside the low-cost 9.7-inch model, but we only got the latter.

It is now unclear when we will see new iPad Pro models. The release of a low-cost 9.7-inch iPad (and a new iPhone color and new Apple Watch bands) via press release seems to suggest we aren't going to see a spring event and thus no spring launch of new iPads, but it's not an impossibility.

If a spring debut doesn't happen, we could potentially see a launch at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June or Apple could hold off on a launch until the fall, introducing iPads alongside new iPhones in September. At this point, Apple's iPad plans are murky at best, and we'll need to wait for more information to narrow down a release timeline.

Article Link: Low-Cost iPad Not Among the New iPad Models Spotted in Device Logs Earlier This Month

 

[Adithya007]

Perhaps those new iPads are just the RED color variants of the existing ones? /s
Innovation, my ass.

 

[Tobias Funke]

Do they not show up as iPad airs.

 

[DoctorDoctor]

I sure hope new iPad Pros are coming. I want to upgrade my Air but I am holding off.

 

[Phogro]

There's no way we see a next gen iPad Pro before WWCD. You have to believe that next gen hardware is going to ship with new features and APIs we have yet to see today meaning the earliest we'll see it is after iOS 11 is revealed. This means there's a glimmer of hope that WWDC brings us new iPad Pros.

However, the longer we go without seeing a single part leak, the less likely this becomes. I can't understand how anyone believes these rumored launch time-frames when we always see casings, screens, chips, or other pieces prior to the launch. Do we really believe Apple has improved their security in this matter this much?

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

Any info on what OS they were running?

I'm thinking if it's 11.0, then we're looking at Fall, if it's 10.4, then we still have a chance!

Of course, I'll take a 10.5in one with an A11X in the fall over a 10.5in A10X now.
[doublepost=1490640132][/doublepost]

There's no way we see a next gen iPad Pro before WWCD. You have to believe that next gen hardware is going to ship with new features and APIs we have yet to see today meaning the earliest we'll see it is after iOS 11 is revealed. This means there's a glimmer of hope that WWDC brings us new iPad Pros.

However, the longer we go without seeing a single part leak, the less likely this becomes. I can't understand how anyone believes these rumored launch time-frames when we always see casings, screens, chips, or other pieces prior to the launch. Do we really believe Apple has improved their security in this matter this much?

Maybe Tim triple downed on security...

However, since iPads don't carry the same weight as the iPhones, in terms of revenue to Apple, the leaked parts may not carry much value. That's just a supposition, though.

 

[iMacmatician]

Any info on what OS they were running?

I'm thinking if it's 11.0, then we're looking at Fall, if it's 10.4, then we still have a chance!

According to Fiksu,

All four devices [are] all running either the latest public version of iOS — 10.3 — or the as-yet-unreleased iOS 11.

There's also another tidbit related to these models:

One thing we didn’t see is tests being done outside of the immediate surroundings of Apple HQ. In the past, we’ve seen tests in scattered locations around the globe — this could mean that the release is still a bit further out. On the other hand, it may be that international testing just isn’t as important for this release.

 

[gadlaw]

Checking daily. I still think it's an April release based on the information available.

 

[dominiongamma]

Checking daily. I still think it's an April release based on the information available.

Disagree, no parts, information hasn't been leaked. I'm thinking won't be until fall or spring 2018

 

[verysimple]

at the other end of the spectrum, does it look more certain at this stage that apple is going to kill off the mini and not come out with a new version?

That size is appealing to me for a variety of reasons (fits in my bag, one-handed use, etc.), and my current iPad air is on its last legs, battery-wise. I don't want to buy an older chipset if it's going to actually be replaced with a newer version in the next couple of months, but if it's truly the last model they're going to release, I'd get one at the reduced price just to have one at that size.

 

[vmachiel]

This fills me with hope.

Perhaps those new iPads are just the RED color variants of the existing ones? /s
Innovation, my ass.

Lol those wouldn't get 4 numbers.

 

[jrholt]

Checking daily. I still think it's an April release based on the information available.

Same here. Checking constantly. I really wish Apple did a better job communicating product cycles. The MR buyer's guide says caution on every iPad and Don't Buy on every mac (except the macbook pro).

 

[Return Zero]

I'm just wondering how the processor situation will end up with the new flagship/Pro iPads. Apple surely won't let the new iPad coexist with the Pro for very long since they both have an A9 variant. So, the new models should be released soon, presumably with an A10 or A10X. Alternatively, if they aren't released until later this year, they could be overshadowed by the A11 in the iPhone 7S/8. In this case, would they possibly skip over the A10, and go ahead with an A11 variant? Comparing to the original Pro release, the 12.9" was released in November, while the 9.7" effectively didn't land until late March, yet the annual processor release cycle has not faltered.

Needless to say I am very curious to see how all of this shakes out. With both a brand new iPad and a brand new iPhone on the horizon, and all the appropriate Kaby Lake processors for potential Mac updates starting to ship, I feel like this could finally be the year that Apple busts out of its post-Jobs "innovation slump". Better yet, Apple ditches Intel entirely, going to AMD Ryzen and custom ARM chips in Macs

 

[Mascots]

There's no way we see a next gen iPad Pro before WWCD. You have to believe that next gen hardware is going to ship with new features and APIs we have yet to see today meaning the earliest we'll see it is after iOS 11 is revealed. This means there's a glimmer of hope that WWDC brings us new iPad Pros.

History leans towards Apple forking a version of the current OS in order to implement new hardware features for iPad rather than waiting for the next major version of iOS to ship.

 

[DMVillain]

I doubt there will be an event in April, now that 10.3 is out.
[doublepost=1490642380][/doublepost]

at the other end of the spectrum, does it look more certain at this stage that apple is going to kill off the mini and not come out with a new version?

Maybe. These are probably a 10.5" and a 12.9", but they may be 7.9" and 10.5".

 

[FrenchRoasted]

Just ordered the new iPad, so of course something new will come out. Most likely it will be the "pro" variant which I'm not in the market for.

 

[thadoggfather]

New new 2017 iPads

.. I hope / think I'm stronger enough to stay put on 9.7 Pro jailbroken with Smart Keyboard pencil and matching silicone official case for a while

 

[The Cappy]

I find this very encouraging. I need a new iPad (after giving my previous one to Mom when she broke hers) but I don't want to buy a new one right before they're revamped.

 

[iOSpecialist]

I doubt there will be an event in April, now that 10.3 is out.
[doublepost=1490642380][/doublepost]
Maybe. These are probably a 10.5" and a 12.9", but they may be 7.9" and 10.5".

I was literally just thinking the same thing. I'm hoping for a new iPad mini, which I'll pick up right after it's release. I was hoping they'd release one last week but was very disappointed.

I don't really see the reason for a 12.9" iPad Pro anymore because 10.5 inches is pretty close. Also, if they kept the same form factor as the 12.9 right now, we'd end up with a (roughly) 14 inch iPad!! That would come with a higher price, and that would definitely be getting into laptop pricing territory. Don't even mention the fact that it would look rediculous unless Apple decides to make an iPad specific OS. The 9.7" users wouldn't have to look any further either because the new iPad Pro has the same form factor as the old 9.7" iPad Pro.

 

[rluciano]

I was literally just thinking the same thing. I'm hoping for a new iPad mini, which I'll pick up right after it's release. I was hoping they'd release one last week but was very disappointed.

I don't really see the reason for a 12.9" iPad Pro anymore because 10.5 inches is pretty close. Also, if they kept the same form factor as the 12.9 right now, we'd end up with a (roughly) 14 inch iPad!! That would come with a higher price, and that would definitely be getting into laptop pricing territory. Don't even mention the fact that it would look rediculous unless Apple decides to make an iPad specific OS. The 9.7" users wouldn't have to look any further either because the new iPad Pro has the same form factor as the old 9.7" iPad Pro.

I'd love a new mini. I figure if it was just a spec bump it would've come out with 9.7". So either we get an ipad mini pro or the slow death of the mini has started.

 

[Darrensk8]

Checking daily. I still think it's an April release based on the information available.

really?! I desperately want there to be I just can't see it. At this point i think it's going to be September with or just after the phone for the new 10.5

 

[name99]

Perhaps those new iPads are just the RED color variants of the existing ones? /s
Innovation, my ass.

And THAT ^^^ dear readers, is why there is "confusion about the launch" --- a general unwillingness to THINK about the issue.

Look, this is just not that hard.
There will be new iPad Pro's, with TSMC manufactured 10nm A10Xs.
They will be announced as part of the Apple HQ opening in April.
(Perhaps with the new Apple TV, though that may be kept for a bit of excitement at WWDC. The new aTV is waiting on the A10X to provide the 4K output.)

This less glamorous stuff (cheap iPad, updated iPhone SE, new bands, etc) was released last week to get it out the way and prevent diluting the message at the HQ opening.

If we're REALLY lucky either the HQ opening (or WWDC --- but that dilutes the optics) will be the occasion for Apple to say "by the way, we now have ARM CPUs that are faster than what Intel is shipping, so expect to see the ARM macs in a few months...".

All this is obvious --- unless your'e emotionally invested (certainly it can't be rationally/empirically invested) in a narative where Apple can't do anything right.

 

[Rob_2811]

And THAT ^^^ dear readers, is why there is "confusion about the launch" --- a general unwillingness to THINK about the issue.

Look, this is just not that hard.
There will be new iPad Pro's, with TSMC manufactured 10nm A10Xs.
They will be announced as part of the Apple HQ opening in April.
(Perhaps with the new Apple TV, though that may be kept for a bit of excitement at WWDC. The new aTV is waiting on the A10X to provide the 4K output.)

This less glamorous stuff (cheap iPad, updated iPhone SE, new bands, etc) was released last week to get it out the way and prevent diluting the message at the HQ opening.

If we're REALLY lucky either the HQ opening (or WWDC --- but that dilutes the optics) will be the occasion for Apple to say "by the way, we now have ARM CPUs that are faster than what Intel is shipping, so expect to see the ARM macs in a few months...".

All this is obvious --- unless your'e emotionally invested (certainly it can't be rationally/empirically invested) in a narative where Apple can't do anything right.

Really not happening anytime soon. Would be useless for anybody who does anything much more that what can be achieved on an iPad at which point why not just use an iPad.

Its beyond optimistic to believe Apple cares enough about the Mac to undergo an architecture change anyway.

 

[341328]

Looking forward to getting new 12.9 inch iPad Pro when released (a10, true tone screen, 5MP front camera etc)

 

[blueflower]

Add me to the list of people who wish that a new ipad mini had come out. Apple I think has a lot of people who understand marketing. I believe a new ipad mini is coming but they did not want to do too much at once and potentially confuse customers.

Right now given the price point of the new ipad it is already pretty confusing which way to go. Very interesting that apple's refurbished store still has sky high prices too hmmm

A new ipad mini is coming....or is it....