Rumor Suggests Low-Cost Ninth-Generation iPad to Debut at Apple Event Later Today

[MacRumors]

A new rumor suggests that Apple may debut its updated baseline ninth-generation iPad later today, as part of several new product announcements for its "California streaming" event.

According to the Weibo account @PandaIsBald, who has shared information regarding iPhone 13 pre-order dates in the past, Apple plans to release the new ninth-generation iPad during or possibly after today's event.

The new iPad, as previously reported, is expected to feature a 10.5-inch display, improved performance, and like the current model, it's expected to be tailored towards students and customers wanting an affordable iPad option.

The event is expected to headline the iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7, and possibly the third-generation AirPods. While those products are likely to be featured during the event itself, Apple may decide to release other products via press releases.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week indicated that Apple is planning a second event for this fall that will focus purely on the iPad and Mac. The ninth-generation iPad is one of two iPad updates expected before the end of the year. The other update, a new and redesigned iPad mini, is the more significant refresh, making it conceivable that Apple could dedicate its latter event to the iPad mini while releasing the more incremental baseline iPad refresh sooner.

As noted by the website AppleTrack earlier today, the current eighth-generation iPad is still unavailable in several retail stores in the United States. Shortages for the iPad began to become apparent last week. A number of Apple products, including Macs, iPhones, and iPads, are currently experiencing shortages due to the ongoing chip shortage.

Whether or not the new iPad makes an appearance during the company's "California streaming" event, Apple still has plenty in store to share. MacRumors will have in-depth coverage of Apple's event across our platforms, including a live blog on our website and live tweets via @MacRumorsLive on Twitter, so be sure to follow to keep track of everything Apple announced.

Article Link: Rumor Suggests Low-Cost Ninth-Generation iPad to Debut at Apple Event Later Today

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Oh wow! I wonder what’s left for October event? Also, iPads are running low in stock too.

 

[joelhinch]

Oh wow! I wonder what’s left for October event? Also, iPads are running low in stock too.

10.2 inch iPad unavailable pretty much everywhere here also.

Interestingly the 16" MacBook Pro base models are also, 2 weeks delivery and unavailable at 90% of stores for pickup in Aus (13" intel in stock at all stores and 1 day delivery for all base models). Maybe we're gettitng everything in one hit? Wouldnt make much sense though to do that.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

10.2 inch iPad unavailable pretty much everywhere here also.

Interestingly the 16" MacBook Pro base models are also, 2 weeks delivery and unavailable at 90% of stores for pickup in Aus (13" intel in stock at all stores and 1 day delivery for all base models). Maybe we're gettitng everything in one hit? Wouldnt make much sense though to do that.

Maybe it has to do with chip shortage? We don’t have much time left.

 

[JPack]

The fact that the iPad suddenly became unavailable at all Apple Stores and delivery dates were pushed to mid-October for all configurations already gave it away. If it were chip shortages, it would affect the mini and the Air.

Looks like the new iPad will use the old iPad Pro 10.5” chassis with A13. Let’s hope the price stays at $329.

 

[syklee26]

I highly doubt this will be introduced today.

 

[playtech1]

I think it would make more sense for Apple to introduce the new iPads today alongside the iPhone and Watch, partly because the iPhone 13 is sort an 'S' model, so not really all that exciting, whereas the iPad Mini and Watch are reportedly bigger upgrades over existing models. It gets them into stores quicker to bump sales.

Then a Mac focused reveal in a few weeks time to focus purely on the M1X and the MacBook Pros and Mac Mini that will house it. I think an iPad update in that second event feels odd.

 

[Pezimak]

So we have a rumour claiming we will get a new cheaper iPad announced today, and another rumour claiming and the Mac Rumours round up indeed claiming no new iPad Mini will be announced today. That makes absolutely no sense at all.
Personally I think they will be announcing BOTH new iPads today or NO iPads today. They are not going to announce one at one event and another at another rumoured event.

 

[catracho504]

So we have a rumour claiming we will get a new cheaper iPad announced today, and another rumour claiming and the Mac Rumours round U.K. indeed claiming no new iPad Mini will be announced today. That makes absolutely no sense at all.
Personally I think they will be announcing BOTH new iPads today or NO iPads today. They are not going to announce one and one event and another at another rumoured event.

iPad mini 6 will be the "one more thing" of the MacBooks Pro event.

 

[Pezimak]

iPad mini 6 will be the "one more thing" of the MacBooks Pro event.

That may be but Apple will look silly if they announce one iPad today and another at another rumoured event in 2 months time. Especially when neither model is under its 'Pro' branding.

 

[ascender]

It makes no sense for them to split iPad announcements across two events does it? Welcome to the joy of Apple rumours!

Re the 16" MBP lead-times, @joelhinch, a few forum users were quoted longer than normal lead-times but the machines have arrived, so it sounds like its a component shortage. Here in the UK there seems to be stock in stores, but ordering online has longer lead-times for standard builds.

 

[MacRazySwe]

I fully expect this one today.

It makes complete business sense, since it’s EDU-focused and the Back to School season is NOW. Don’t think it will be mentioned in the keynote, but will be a silent release once the store goes live.

Mini 6 on the other hand will probably be saved for October to drive Q4 sales.

 

[Pezimak]

I fully expect this one today.

It makes complete business sense, since it’s EDU-focused and the Back to School season is NOW. Don’t think it will be mentioned in the keynote, but will be a silent release once the store goes live.

Mini 6 on the other hand will probably be saved for October to drive Q4 sales.

It only makes business sense if the returns on both new models are equal.

 

[Homme]

Not surprised it has the ancient 8MP Camera. Hoping 7MP Front camera

 

[ian87w]

So basically the old inventory of iPad Air 3.
Nothing wrong with it though. Finally a price drop for the laminated screen design since the iPad Air 2.

 

[Falhófnir]

So basically the old inventory of iPad Air 3.
Nothing wrong with it though. Finally a price drop for the laminated screen design since the iPad Air 2.

It may be near identical to the Air 3, or it might be a similar design but keeping the 10.2” display size, rumours suggested the latter at one point, though the former might be somewhat cheaper on design costs (though the current 10.2” design is totally new in as much as it wasn’t used for any previous iPad first).

 

[Homme]

So basically the old inventory of iPad Air 3.
Nothing wrong with it though. Finally a price drop for the laminated screen design since the iPad Air 2.

maybe for the budget lineup but it won’t be for 329. It will be higher since laminated displays cost more😊

 

[ian87w]

maybe for the budget lineup but it won’t be for 329. It will be higher since laminated displays cost more😊

You have a point. Have a feeling it will be $399 since the mini 6 will get a refresh and price increase to match the Air 4. Apple is all about increasing prices nowadays with the pandemic.

 

[japanime]

I came here certain that the first comment would be by @TheYayAreaLiving and was not disappointed. 🤣

The only question left is, if they come in multiple colors, will you order one of each?

 

[TomOSeven]

A new base model iPad with a laminated display and real stereo speakers would be lovely, I'm really looking to downsize from my 12,9" iPP this year.

 

[jakja83]

iPad mini - to me its too close to a phone and too small to be truly usable at bigger tasks?

 

[newyorksole]

I fully expect this one today.

It makes complete business sense, since it’s EDU-focused and the Back to School season is NOW. Don’t think it will be mentioned in the keynote, but will be a silent release once the store goes live.

Mini 6 on the other hand will probably be saved for October to drive Q4 sales.

Mannn they are not gonna include the new iPad as part of the BTS promo. They usually never include new products while the promo is still going on.

 

[jb1280]

maybe for the budget lineup but it won’t be for 329. It will be higher since laminated displays cost more😊

Highly skeptical they raise the price. Most important factor about this SKU is the price. If they can’t hit their numbers with a laminated display, I think the laminated display is out

 

[snipr125]

Highly skeptical they raise the price. Most important factor about this SKU is the price. If they can’t hit their numbers with a laminated display, I think the laminated display is out

Non laminated display is more robust, so better suited for the educational sector that the base ipad is more aimed at. Hopefully the display will be finally upgraded to p3 wide colour and true tone.

 

[arvinsim]

Non laminated display is more robust, so better suited for the educational sector that the base ipad is more aimed at. Hopefully the display will be finally upgraded to p3 wide colour and true tone.

I don't think True Tone is that important. P3 wide color, on the other hand, would be great!