iPad Pro Update Expected 'Around March,' but Production Slow to Ramp Up

[MacRumors]

Rumors have been pointing toward a significant iPad Pro update in the first half of this year, including a new triple-lens rear camera system supporting 3D sensing for immersive augmented reality experiences.

MacRumors concept of ?iPad Pro? with triple-lens rear camera system​

In a new paywalled blurb published today, DigiTimes claims that production on the device has already begun with a launch expected "around March," which is Apple's usual timeframe for a spring media event in years that it chooses to hold one. The blurb also says that production has been slow to ramp up following the Lunar New Year holiday, with impacts from the Wuhan coronavirus epidemic presumably also playing a role.

Apple is scheduled to launch its new iPad Pro series around March, with related suppliers already kicking off production for the model ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. However, their output has started growing slowly after the extended Lunar New Year break in China with shipments unlikely to peak until after April, according to industry sources.

It's looking like Apple has a fairly significant slate of products ready for updates, so the company may indeed hold a spring media event this year. In addition to updated iPad Pro models, we're also expecting a new low-cost "iPhone SE 2" or "iPhone 9," an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro with the improved scissor-switch keyboard from the 16-inch model, and possibly a few other products.

We'll update this article with any additional details once DigiTimes expands its blurb into a full story.

Article Link: iPad Pro Update Expected 'Around March,' but Production Slow to Ramp Up

 

[fokmik]

Digitimes last month "ipad pro for late 2020"
Digitimes this month "ipad pro for march 2020"
Digitimes....

 

[Freida]

is it a new report or still the same one?

 

[Sjasam]

They can do it! March launch date, but slow shipments to start off. iPads don't need immense numbers like the iPhone, anyways - I think they'll be alright. My guess is pre-orders March 20th and then the usual "limited availability in select stores" from Friday March 27th.

So that must mean their event will be Tuesday March 17th, right?

 

[dmylrea]

I hope there is more to the new iPad Pro than the triple camera. I literally NEVER use the camera on my current iPad Pro...holding a giant tablet in the air to take a picture, especially when my iPhone 11 Pro Max is always at hand, just seems weird.

 

[cknibbs]

I just want an iPad Pro mini... and by that all I mean is an iPad mini with a full screen and Face ID. I really wish they would update all of them to full screens across all the lines.

 

[EugW]

Still trying to decide whether or not to get it with cellular. If it's 5G, it'd likely get cellular, but if 4G LTE, I'd be less convinced.

Digitimes last month "ipad pro for late 2020"
Digitimes this month "ipad pro for march 2020"
Digitimes....

Yeah, all over the map.

BTW, what is she holding in your avatar pic?

I hope there is more to the new iPad Pro than the triple camera.

Here's hoping for the backlit keyboard.

 

[Kulfon]

Why there is a need for cameras on an ipad? Other than front camera for calls?

 

[GeoStructural]

I don’t find any appeal in “upgrading” my iPad Pro to a three-camera system. I’ll wait for the announcement, hopefully there is more than that.

My wishlist:

• XCode with the full functionality.
• Backlit keyboard with trackpad.
• MatLab, Spyder and full version of Excel.
• BootCamp or some form of virtualization software to allow running real professional software (Mac and Windows).
• The ability for apps to be reshaped and placed anywhere on the screen instead of the split screen options we currently have.
• An additional USB-C port or headphone jack (yes, I want it back).

I realize this is mostly software related and even third-party developers thing.

 

[OverChris]

I hope there is more to the new iPad Pro than the triple camera. I literally NEVER use the camera on my current iPad Pro...holding a giant tablet in the air to take a picture, especially when my iPhone 11 Pro Max is always at hand, just seems weird.

Agree, however in a professional setting, for example in construction, the value of a 3d sensing camera can be enorm. Having the additional data to record problems or repairs can safe quite a bit of money in cases of lawsuits. Not talking about the US market, so it might be different there. For a consumer, the camera does not add much value, if any at all.

 

[EugW]

Why there is a need for cameras on an ipad? Other than front camera for calls?

1. I've seen lots of people use the iPad as a camera. For a Pro, it becomes a differentiator if it has a good one.

2. The iPad Pro is popular amongst video types.

3. If it's got a 3D setup, the possibilities for different uses increase.

 

[NetMage]

Why there is a need for cameras on an ipad? Other than front camera for calls?

Because it can be used as a document scanner. Ever deposit a check by taking a picture of it? Ever store a receipt by taking a picture of it? You can do that with larger documents and see them well on an ipad.

 

[The Game 161]

really hope so I'm ready to get the 12.9 pro...hoping we see new keyboards

 

[NetMage]

Still trying to decide whether or not to get it with cellular. If it's 5G, it'd likely get cellular, but if 4G LTE, I'd be less convinced.

I doubt if 5G will make a difference in the longevity of this iPad.

I always get the cellular model (and use it without service) because it is bundled with GPS. If they offered GPS with WiFi, I’d get that.

Having GPS is too useful for Navigation and Astronomy apps.

 

[kmoreau48]

Why there is a need for cameras on an ipad? Other than front camera for calls?

On a construction site, let's say I need to position a crane at a certain position between two buildings and I need to send that information to the engineer. I used to sketch the two buildings with the location of the crane. It is much easier for the engineer to understand if I have my iPad on site, to take a picture of where the crane will be located and then sketch the dimensions directly on that picture.

Another example, if you are renovating your house and want to send the designer a sketch of what you have in mind, you can take a picture with your iPad and annotate directly on it before sending it.

I get that it looks silly to take pictures with an iPad and I would never use the camera on my iPad the way I use the camera on my iPhone, but it definitely has a purpose to be there.

 

[russianbears]

- less weight
- more battery life
- bootcamp
- less price
nothing else needed

 

[iZac]

Can't wait for some "AVOID NEW IPAD - ASSEMBLED IN CHINA, GAVE ME COVID-19!" hysteria

On a serious note, I'm looking forward to replacing my Gen 2 which has developed a backlight bleed so bad that it looks like a row of olde timey theatre lights

 

[fokmik]

BTW, what is she holding in your avatar pic?

Im Holding a tomato juice

 

[cmaier]

On a construction site, let's say I need to position a crane at a certain position between two buildings and I need to send that information to the engineer. I used to sketch the two buildings with the location of the crane. It is much easier for the engineer to understand if I have my iPad on site, to take a picture of where the crane will be located and then sketch the dimensions directly on that picture.

Another example, if you are renovating your house and want to send the designer a sketch of what you have in mind, you can take a picture with your iPad and annotate directly on it before sending it.

I get that it looks silly to take pictures with an iPad and I would never use the camera on my iPad the way I use the camera on my iPhone, but it definitely has a purpose to be there.

Can’t you use your phone? The construction people who were at my house last week did all this with smartphones, even though they also had ipads with them.

 

[Rafterman]

Still trying to decide whether or not to get it with cellular. If it's 5G, it'd likely get cellular, but if 4G LTE, I'd be less convinced.


Yeah, all over the map.

BTW, what is she holding in your avatar pic?


Here's hoping for the backlit keyboard.

I saw another report of iPad 5Gs coming with new iPhones in September-ish. I have the latest iPad Pro now, so no 5G, no upgrade for me.

 

[PickUrPoison]

I have a first gen 12.9. I’m not a power user, so I didn’t upgrade to the 3rd gen. Rear camera update doesn’t make me want to upgrade, and neither does A13X, presumably another 7nm part. I do want cellular though.

Given what Qualcomm’s president has said about how difficult it’s going to be to make the schedule for 5G iphones, I don’t see how a March iPad Pro release has 5G. That doesn’t make any sense to me. (Yes, I know iPad got 4G/LTE before iPhone).

If 5G doesn’t come out until a fall update, I’ll just wait until fall 2021 for the 5th gen. Maybe pickup a used 2nd or 3rd gen to see me through.

 

[RalfTheDog]

Why there is a need for cameras on an ipad? Other than front camera for calls?

AR is becoming a thing. iPads are great for AR. The iPad is also great when you are out in the field and you want to see closeup detail of an object. It would be even better if the iPad had a camera that had a close focal range. As to video chat, I have never understood why a person would want to be watched while talking. Text is the best way to communicate most of the time. If you don't want a record of the conversation, just do a regular phone call.

 

[NinjaHERO]

I was all ready to upgrade to this, until the 5G model rumor with the better chip set. Really curious to see what specs this model has.

 

[44267547]

Why there is a need for cameras on an ipad?

When guests log into our agency for tours/visits, we actually use the camera to take pictures of their faces associated with their information from the iPad. That’s just one example of probably thousands of reasons why somebody/businesses would utilize a camera from the iPad. [Yes, the camera on the iPad can be useful/resourceful.]

 

[salz4life]

AR is becoming a thing. iPads are great for AR. The iPad is also great when you are out in the field and you want to see closeup detail of an object. It would be even better if the iPad had a camera that had a close focal range. As to video chat, I have never understood why a person would want to be watched while talking. Text is the best way to communicate most of the time. If you don't want a record of the conversation, just do a regular phone call.

I've never really understaood "FaceTiming" either. The only thing that changed my view A LITTLE BIT was the birth of my daughter for my parents. They live 3 1/2 hours away, so it was a way for them to see her more often. I absolutely loathe using it for myself. LOL