Rumored 2021 High-End iPad Pro May Feature 5G With mmWave Support

[MacRumors]

Apple's rumored high-end iPad Pro models to be released next year will be 5G-enabled with mmWave support, according to sources cited by industry publication DigiTimes.

Multiple rumors have suggested Apple is planning to release a high-end 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a mini-LED display next year, with the possibility that there will be an 11-inch mini-LED model too, but details beyond that have been scant.

According to today's report, however, Apple's success in developing its own in-house mmWave AiP (antenna in package) modules for next year's iPhone lineup has increased the likelihood that next-generation models in Apple's iPad range will also benefit.

The self-sufficiency in design and development of AiP modules also means that Apple's next-generation high-end iPad products to be released in 2021 may also come with mmWave technology, said the sources.

While not specified, it is almost certain that these models would be iPad Pros given 5G is a high-end feature with higher production costs.

mmWave or millimeter wave is a set of 5G frequencies that promise ultra-fast speeds at short distances, making it best suited for dense urban areas. By comparison, sub-6GHz 5G is generally slower than mmWave, but the signals travel further, better serving suburban and rural areas. iPhone 12 models in the U.S. exclusively support mmWave, while next year's iPhone series could see a wider rollout of the technology.

According to DigiTimes' sources, Apple's latest push on the development of AiP modules indicates that it is moving one step further towards develop RF front-end (RF-FEM) modules in-house, with the ultimate goal of supplying its own modem devices.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that production will begin on mini-LED displays for the iPad Pro in the fourth quarter of 2020, with a launch expected in the first half of 2021. DigiTimes has also reported that a mini-LED iPad Pro will launch in early 2021, as has Korea's ETNews.

Article Link: Rumored 2021 High-End iPad Pro May Feature 5G With mmWave Support

 

[locrumo]

I don't care 5G. I need touchID.

 

[duanepatrick]

Are there rumors if Apple is going with iPad fold? Fold seemed to be a trend nowadays. Seen a video of MKBHD.

 

[EmotionalSnow]

I don't care 5G. I need touchID.

iPad Air. It's cheaper too.

 

[EmotionalSnow]

Are there rumors if Apple is going with iPad fold? Fold seemed to be a trend nowadays. Seen a video of MKBHD.

I only heard of iPhone Fold rumors but Apple doesn't really follow trends anyways.

 

[SWAON]

I hate the 5G thing and how is used intentionally to justify the price increase. These won't be cheap at any means..

 

[yurc]

I don't care 5G. I need touchID.

Yes, and usually I bought the wifi one too, there's iPhone for cellular business through mobile hotspot.

 

[Freeangel1]

Please make a 17" model so we can turn it into a 17" laptop with an attached keyboard.
16" Maybe?
ok, 15"

 

[Isengardtom]

Mini LED is interesting to me, 5G I couldn’t care less

 

[kugino]

ipad mini, please.

 

[0924487]

Even wifi coverage is better than 5G cellular, what's the point of a 5G cellular iPad?

 

[LFC2020]

It’s digitimes, so it has to be true. ?‍♂️

 

[GadgetBen]

Of course the new 2021 iPad Pro will have 5G with mmWave.

Now, where are the AirTags?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Of course the new 2021 iPad Pro will have 5G with mmWave.

Now, where are the AirTags?

AirTags have been pushed back to 2050, along with AirPower.

 

[newyorksole]

Bring. It. On.

I don’t care too much about the 5G, but man... I’ve had the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9” since it came out and am excited to see what changes they’ve made.

I figured there was no point in upgrading to the 2019. I would definitely get a 13”-15” iPad Pro too.

Hopefully it comes out in March!

 

[Textime]

What about a full screen iPad Mini?

 

[The Game 161]

so far only 12.9 rumours but be interesting if they don't release an 11 inch version. I'm sure some won't be too impressed if that's the case.

 

[ksec]

I want to mention, mmWave is not 5G only, mmWave WiFi ( 802.11ad / ay, what was used to known as Wi-Gig ) so Apple may also be preparing for a future where mmWave would be used for Devices to Devices Direct Data Transfer with speed faster than USB3. ( Single Link from 20 - 40Gbps, you could expect a real world performance of at least 50%, so 10 - 20Gbps depending on spectrum )

Although I would have thought D2D with WiFI 6E would be enough for most cases, you get ~2Gbps with that.

 

[imnotthewalrus]

Please make a 17" model so we can turn it into a 17" laptop with an attached keyboard.
16" Maybe?
ok, 15"

Why not a 17” MBP with detachable touch display? Would run macOS and iOS/iPadOS! Of course the price would be steep, but if you’re going to dream...

 

[newyorksole]

Why not a 17” MBP with detachable touch display? Would run macOS and iOS/iPadOS! Of course the price would be steep, but if you’re going to dream...

I personally only want macOS on my iMac. iPadOS is fine for the iPad Pro for me.

I like them separate.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

Why not a 17” MBP with detachable touch display? Would run macOS and iOS/iPadOS! Of course the price would be steep, but if you’re going to dream...

I think that would be too much of a hardware mess (it would make it top-heavy).

A large iPad that runs macOS only when a keyboard and mouse/trackpad is paired (disabling the touchscreen) would suffice.

But I think the iPad/MK combo is about as good as it's going to get.

 

[redscull]

Apple may also be preparing for a future where mmWave would be used for Devices to Devices Direct Data Transfer with speed faster than USB3

Serious question: is there such a thing as device to device transfer in the world of Apple? I've used Mac laptops, iPhones, and iPads for 13+ years, and the only reliable way I've ever found to transfer from one device to another is to upload it to the internet on one device and then download it on the other. Or for laptop to laptop, use thumb drive sneakernet. They've never had working network transfer capabilities like the Windows world I came from (where you just share a folder/drive on the network easy-peasy). And AirDrop has so many weird permissions and instantiation issues I doubt anyone has ever figured out how to make it work.

 

[CWallace]

I am more interested in MiniLED than 5G for my next 12.9-inch iPad Pro to replace my 2018 model, but since it will have a cellular option, anyway, if it can be 5G, why not.

Are there rumors if Apple is going with iPad fold? Fold seemed to be a trend nowadays. Seen a video of MKBHD.

There is a new rumor that Apple will release new iPad Pros in early 2021 using MiniLED displays, followed by OLED display units in late 2021. On the surface, this sounds counterproductive, but currently all of the "folding" devices use OLED so that could be a sign Apple is planning a new model of iPad that uses foldable OLED.

 

[Wags]

Of course the new 2021 iPad Pro will have 5G with mmWave.

Now, where are the AirTags?

Where’s the new Apple TV? Stop holding back.

 

[HarryWild]

How about an iPad Mini Pro! The Mini still has the old style with big bezels! Apple like the big iPad and keeps the Mini as the black sheep of their iPad line up!