No Design Changes Expected for Next-Generation $329 iPad, Touch ID and Headphone Jack to Remain

[MacRumors]

The seventh-generation iPad that Apple is planning to release alongside an updated iPad mini 5 will continue to use the same housing as the sixth-generation iPad, according to Japanese site Mac Otakara.

Prior rumors have suggested the device will feature a 10.2-inch display rather than a 9.7-inch display, but Mac Otakara says that it is hearing mixed rumors from suppliers. One supplier said that the display is "10 inches" but another said that the display size has not been changed.

Regardless of display size, the tablet is expected to continue to use a Touch ID fingerprint sensor rather than transitioning to Face ID like the iPad Pro models, and it will also still have a headphone jack.

Apple is expected to introduce both the updated seventh-generation iPad and a refreshed iPad mini at some point in the spring, perhaps right around the time of its March 25 event. Rumors have said the event will focus on software rather than hardware, but updates could be announced via press release shortly afterwards.

Mac Otakara says that it's likely both new iPads will debut at the same time, but the site did not provide any prospective launch timelines beyond mentioning that suppliers are preparing for a launch. Apple's current sixth-generation iPad sells for $329, and the new model is expected to be available at the same price point.

Article Link: No Design Changes Expected for Next-Generation $329 iPad, Touch ID and Headphone Jack to Remain

 

[I7guy]

I need a new ipad, as I have an ipad 2. $329 sounds like a bargain next to the price of the max. I don't care if it's not the latest and greatest.

 

[0924487]

This is so that those low-cost iPad doesn't piss off people who paid $2200 for an iPad Pro. Apple needs to differentiate low-end and premium offerings. If they make 10.2' iPad $329, then what's the point of paying $899 for the 10.5' iPad Pro?

 

[Buty]

7th-Generation iPad to Feature Same Design, Touch ID and Headphone Jack
The seventh-generation iPad that Apple is planning to release alongside an updated iPad mini 5 will continue to use the same housing as the sixth-generation iPad, according to Japanese site Mac Otakara.

Prior rumors have suggested the device will feature a 10.2-inch display rather than a 9.7-inch display, but Mac Otakara says that it is hearing mixed rumors from suppliers. One supplier said that the display is "10 inches" but another said that the display size has not been changed.

Regardless of display size, the tablet is expected to continue to use a Touch ID fingerprint sensor rather than transitioning to Face ID like the iPad Pro models, and it will also still have a headphone jack.

Apple is expected to introduce both the updated seventh-generation iPad and a refreshed iPad mini at some point in the spring, perhaps right around the time of its March 25 event. Rumors have said the event will focus on software rather than hardware, but updates could be announced via press release shortly afterwards.

Mac Otakara says that it's likely both new iPads will debut at the same time, but the site did not provide any prospective launch timelines beyond mentioning that suppliers are preparing for a launch. Apple's current sixth-generation iPad sells for $329, and the new model is expected to be available at the same price point.

Article Link: 7th-Generation $329 iPad to Feature Unchanged Design With Touch ID and Headphone Jack

This is pathetic if true. Too lazy and greedy
of Apple to push such outdated design and esp such low grade face time camera only to make people buy Ipad pro (which are not computer but darn good iPads) for really great user experience. Hoping to be surprised in March though.

 

[dsraj]

7th-Generation iPad to Retain Same Design, Touch ID and Headphone Jack

There. Fixed it for you.

 

[ghanwani]

Still hoping for SE 2. If they can keep the iPad and iPad Mini alive, why not the SE?

 

[Sasparilla]

What can I say but...yes! Especially the headphone jack, Touch ID is just fine as well - was hoping for an in screen tech but I like Touch ID.

Have an Air 2 & am ready to replace it. Money is ready.

Still hoping for SE 2. If they can keep the iPad and iPad Mini alive, why not the SE?

Well to keep your hope alive, you did see the icon for the iPod touch with no home button and all screen, right? Could be a small stretch from that to a SE follow up....

 

[Jacoblee23]

It wonder how much better it will be than the current one? The current one is on sale often for $249. That's just a steal of a price.

 

[dan110]

When you're a pony and only know one trick. Introducing the All-New "iPad". It's the best iPad, ever.

 

[nzcatfood]

I'm really looking forward to the new mini. Naturally, Apple will gimp the hell out of it and make it a monumentally difficult purchase decision once again.

 

[NT1440]

When you're a pony and only know one trick. Introducing the All-New "iPad". It's the best iPad, ever.

What exactly is the downside to sticking an A12 in the current low cost iPad? If I weren’t in the market for the new mini I’d see none at all...

 

[Jacoblee23]

I don't care about a good camera, or need any bells and whistles. I have my 11" and 12.9" pro for that. Just give me an iPad mini with an updated processor and I will be overjoyed. I love the iPad mini.

 

[MikeAnd]

Prior rumors have suggested the device will feature a 10.2-inch display rather than a 9.7-inch display, but Mac Otakara says that it is hearing mixed rumors from suppliers. One supplier said that the display is "10 inches" but another said that the display size has not been changed.

Uh, if they're only giving integer precision in the rumor, then 9.7" is "10 inches." There's nothing contradictory there.

 

[RippedAmoeba]

I hope they'll make it a laminated display this time.

 

[Pepe4life]

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Apple is still selling the 10.5” Pro with Touch ID at its original price.

 

[rowspaxe]

I need a new ipad, as I have an ipad 2. $329 sounds like a bargain next to the price of the max. I don't care if it's not the latest and greatest.

Its pretty great, and for $329 its a huge bargain.

 

[majkom]

Give it touch id gen 2, for christ sake

 

[realtuner]

I just want a new iPad Mini or maybe an iPod Touch with a 6” screen. I want to install them as HomeKit control panels in my house.

 

[edwrap]

I hope they'll make it a laminated display this time.

Yeah, this and quad speakers would get me to upgrade from an Air 2.

 

[Heelpir8]

I'll be sold if it's got more than 2GB of RAM in it.

 

[nviz22]

I need a new ipad, as I have an ipad 2. $329 sounds like a bargain next to the price of the max. I don't care if it's not the latest and greatest.

You missed out on some great prices on the 2018 iPad. That device is actually pretty nice w/ the A10 processor and Apple Pencil support.

 

[PlayUltimate]

Without a laminated display, I'll stick with my Air2.
[doublepost=1552108274][/doublepost]So, what is new about the iPad v7. ?

 

[WannaGoMac]

So the cheaper iPad has a headphone jack (which the pro doesn’t) and touch ID which I found to be more flexible than Face ID.

Crazy that the pro doesn’t have as many features as the iPad

 

[cknibbs]

This is so that those low-cost iPad doesn't piss off people who paid $2200 for an iPad Pro. Apple needs to differentiate low-end and premium offerings. If they make 10.2' iPad $329, then what's the point of paying $899 for the 10.5' iPad Pro?

They need to simplify by having an entry level line with TouchID and Bezel, and then a Pro line with FaceID and full screens.

iPad Mini 7.9”
iPad 9.7”
iPad Pro Mini 8.5”
iPad Pro 11”
iPad Pro Max 12.9”

Come to think of it... that would really translate well into the iPhone line too. An entry level line of iPhones, and then a Pro line of iPhones

iPhone mini 4”
iPhone 4.7”
iPhone Max 5.5”
iPhone Pro Mini 5”
iPhone Pro 5.8”
iPhone Pro Max 6.5”

 

[RippedAmoeba]

Yeah, this and quad speakers would get me to upgrade from an Air 2.

Any chance it'll happen?