iPad Speculation for iPad 8 (2020? A12? 10.8"?)

[Joplin]

Last year around this time we were speculating on the 7th generation iPad. Back then the question on some of our minds was how the unit would compete with the Air 3. A year later and with the iPad 8 somewhere on the horizon the comparison to the Air 3 still seems valid as it likely that the iPad 8 will feature similar performance.

There have been rumors saying the base iPad will get a late 2020 refresh and it might feature a 10.8" display and A12 (https://www.macrumors.com/2020/05/15/apple-plans-2020-new-low-cost-ipad-a12-chip/).

What kind of specs do you think the 8th generation iPad will have and when do you think it will be released? Is a september refresh still plausible due to potential covid related delays?

If the base iPad gets a refresh with A12 before the Air is refreshed the Air would lose one of it's most important advantages. And if the base iPad gets a 10.8" screen it actually has a bigger display than the Air. I can't see this happening myself. I'm curious as to what you expect!

 

[rui no onna]

If they do release a basic iPad with A12 and 10.8" display, I expect the Air 3 will be discontinued at the same time.

The iPhone 12 seems like it will be delayed and I expect that's higher priority than a new base iPad.

 

[x13gamer]

5G for the cellular, I hope. I’m hoping to my my grandfathered unlimited iPad data plan over from my iPad Air Gen 1.

 

[Digitalguy]

The 10.8 rumor is much more likely for the air 4....
My guess is just A12, which would still make it very similar to the Air 3, which should be discontinued...
My guess is therefore that ipad 8 could come together with the Air 4.... When? Fall at best, next Spring at the latest...

 

[AutomaticApple]

The 10.8 rumor is much more likely for the air 4....

Air 4 is supposed to come in 2021 with a mini-LED panel though.

 

[Digitalguy]

Air 4 is supposed to come in 2021 with a mini-LED panel though.

There have been contradicting rumors on this. I believe mini-led will come to the pro first... and honestly ipad 12 with 3GB RAM and A12 is very close to the air 3 for the 2 to co-exist... The laminated screen is not a big deal in my opinion, some people don’t even know this difference exist and / or can’t tell the difference, maybe 32GB vs 64GB is... but then at $399 the 128GB version would be almost better than the Air 3...

 

[Richard8655]

I too am looking forward to the eighth generation, though a larger 10.8" display is getting into the cumbersome Pro sizing as the apparent trend. But if it's at the expense of reduced bezel size, then that would be fine for this version. Also for me, laminated is not a big deal, having had both and actually preferirng non-laminated for the basic model.

 

[Joplin]

I too am looking forward to the eighth generation, though a larger 10.8" display is getting into the cumbersome Pro sizing as the apparent trend. But if it's at the expense of reduced bezel size, then that would be fine for this version. Also for me, laminated is not a big deal, having had both and actually preferirng non-laminated for the basic model.

I agree with you: a non-laminated screen is not much of a deal. These base iPads provide the best value by far, so the 8th generation should prove interesting.

What is interesting to me is that it seems like the 8th gen iPad warrants a refresh of the Air and consecutively perhaps the Pro as well.

iPad 8 gets A12/3GB -> too close to Air 3
Air 3 gets A13 or A14 -> too close or surpassing iPad Pro!?

Another thread was just posted with a rumor that in September there will be iPad refreshes as well as an iPad Pro refresh in October. It'd be a little weird if September would buy you a faster (or almost as fast) Air 4 compared to the 2020 Pro. Of course the Pro has some features that distinguish it, and it'd only be for a few months, but still.

 

[slimejester]

A simple bump from A10 to A12 would be tremendous for the iPad 8th Generation. I feel like the 10.8 model will definitely be the Air 4.

 

[ejin222]

A simple bump from A10 to A12 would be tremendous for the iPad 8th Generation. I feel like the 10.8 model will definitely be the Air 4.

My guess is that the 8th gen iPad will get the A12 and 10.8" size (old body style but with Lightning port), the Air 4 will get the first gen 11" iPad Pro design (single camera and USB-C) with an A14 chip, and the new Pros get (possibly) a new design but with an A14x chip and mini-LEDs.

 

[slimejester]

My guess is that the 8th gen iPad will get the A12 and 10.8" size (old body style but with Lightning port), the Air 4 will get the first gen 11" iPad Pro design (single camera and USB-C) with an A14 chip, and the new Pros get (possibly) a new design but with an A14x chip and mini-LEDs.

A12 and 10.8” size would be wild.

 

[Joplin]

My guess is that the 8th gen iPad will get the A12 and 10.8" size (old body style but with Lightning port), the Air 4 will get the first gen 11" iPad Pro design (single camera and USB-C) with an A14 chip, and the new Pros get (possibly) a new design but with an A14x chip and mini-LEDs.

This would be quite something! Are we perhaps getting our hopes up too much? The seventh generation iPad was after all a fine but not a truly spectular update.

At any rate it seems extremely unlikely that the iPad 8 will still use the A10. Maybe Apple will do something slightly unexpected and give the iPad 8 the A11 instead of the A12? The A11 (released 09/2017) will be a three year old chip when the iPad 8 releases in late 2020, as opposed to the two year old A12.

The iPad 5 (3/2017) launched with a then 1.5 year old A9.
The iPad 6 (3/2018) launched with a then 1.5 year old A10.
The iPad 7 (9/2019) launched with a then 3 year old A10.

 

[Digitalguy]

A11 is not coming to any ipad... It will be A12 and I wouldn't expect much more for that Ipad, After increasing the screen and giving it smart keyboard compatibility they saved the chip upgrade for this year...
The air 4, even with A14 (non X), won't be too close to the pro because it will lack quad speakers, promotion and probably have larger bezels (10.8), as well as 64GB space... It will be close to the base 2018 though, but that model is already $650 new, so it's not 300 more but 150, which is fair, and could even go below 600...

 

[Joplin]

A11 is not coming to any ipad... It will be A12 and I wouldn't expect much more for that Ipad, After increasing the screen and giving it smart keyboard compatibility they saved the chip upgrade for this year...
The air 4, even with A14 (non X), won't be too close to the pro because it will lack quad speakers, promotion and probably have larger bezels (10.8), as well as 64GB space... It will be close to the base 2018 though, but that model is already $650 new, so it's not 300 more but 150, which is fair, and could even go below 600...

This sounds plausible. In 2019 they gave the base iPad a larger screen, a RAM upgrade and the smart connector. In 2020 they give it a better chip. I agree that a new design for the base iPad seems unlikely as it would mean they'd refresh the design two years in a row.

So going with this we'd have in September:

iPad 8th generation A12 - 3GB - 10.2"
iPad Air 4 A14 - 3 or maybe 4GB? - 10.8" (redesign - perhaps iPad Pro 11" 2018/2020 chassis)

I think 4GB of RAM is likely for the Air 4 (if only because, well, it's the Air 4 ;-)). And then maybe an iPad Pro refresh in October with A14X and mini LED, who knows...

I don't think you should compare the Air 4 to the Pro 2018, though, since officially that unit has been replaced by the 2020 Pro. In that sense going from Air 4 to 11" Pro 2020 seems like a lot of money for a screen and quad speakers, but then again, it might only be a short while before the Pro refreshes so maybe Apple figures that people who want those features will either buy anyway or they just shrug. Still, seeing an A14 in the Air while there's still an A12Z in the Pro does seem weird, no matter the relative performance of that Z chip compared to a non-X A14.

 

[Digitalguy]

This sounds plausible. In 2019 they gave the base iPad a larger screen, a RAM upgrade and the smart connector. In 2020 they give it a better chip. I agree that a new design for the base iPad seems unlikely as it would mean they'd refresh the design two years in a row.

So going with this we'd have in September:

iPad 8th generation A12 - 3GB - 10.2"
iPad Air 4 A14 - 3 or maybe 4GB? - 10.8" (redesign - perhaps iPad Pro 11" 2018/2020 chassis)

I think 4GB of RAM is likely for the Air 4 (if only because, well, it's the Air 4 ;-)). And then maybe an iPad Pro refresh in October with A14X and mini LED, who knows...

I don't think you should compare the Air 4 to the Pro 2018, though, since officially that unit has been replaced by the 2020 Pro. In that sense going from Air 4 to 11" Pro 2020 seems like a lot of money for a screen and quad speakers, but then again, it might only be a short while before the Pro refreshes so maybe Apple figures that people who want those features will either buy anyway or they just shrug. Still, seeing an A14 in the Air while there's still an A12Z in the Pro does seem weird, no matter the relative performance of that Z chip compared to a non-X A14.

I do agree with 4GB of RAM but don't forget that the 2020 comes with 6GB and 128GB base, so it's not not just screen and quad speakers... Also, the A14 might just be on par on multicore with the A12X/Z (A13 is way lower) and beat it only in single core (which, however, as I have said many times, is at least as important as multi-core on ipad, if not more, but people tend to look at multicore...). But sure the appeal of the 11in pro would fall somewhat, hence the need for a new pro, probably at the same time (spring) if not before (this year...)

 

[JPack]

iPad (2020) - 10.8", 3GB RAM, A12, 32GB storage

Apple can increase the base storage of iPad Air (2019) to 128GB and maintain the $499 price. The iPad Air also has a 7MP front camera which most home users don't appreciate.

Credible sources say the next iPad Air is moving to 11" with in-display fingerprint.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Agree that the iPad (2020)will probably get the A12, 3GB RAM, and not much else. They have a price point to target with that device.

iPad Air (2020/21) will probably get the A12X (Maybe even Z, depending on its release date - they won’t have it on the same SoC as the Pro’s even if its for a month or two) 4GB RAM, and the iPad Pro 11” chassis (Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard compatibility) with slightly thicker bezels to reduce the screen to 10.8”. Can’t see the Air getting the latest chip just because, again, they are going to be trying to hit a price point for it.

In-display TouchID hasn’t been thrown about much recently, gone a bit quiet there, hasn’t it? I can’t actually see them using it unless there is some larger play for use case, like there is/was for FaceID. If the iPad Air (2020/21) gets FaceID, then it won’t have in-screen TouchID. It would be a pretty unprecedented move for Apple to introduce a brand new, never before used technology in a mid-range device. Where is the economy of scale in that? If they were planning on bringing it to everything else, it would be implemented in flagship devices first and early adopters would help bear the ROI burden of that introduction.

Same with mini-LED. Rumor is that the iPad Pro could see an update on October 27th alongside the first Apple Silicon Macs. I also have a hard time seeing that unless they can release the mini-LED version at that time. It was probably the original plan, but I do wonder if they can hold that timeline after the 2020 we’re having. If (and it is a big if) they can then maybe, just maybe, we could see that coming to the iPad Air (only if it is 2021) and iPad Mini (2021) updates as well.

My wild speculation looks like this:

• iPad 8 (2020) - A12, 3GB RAM, 64GB base, same chassis, same 10.2” non-laminated screen, TouchID
• iPad Pro (2020/21) - A14X, 6GB RAM, 128GB base, very slightly updated chassis, 11” & 12.9” mini-LED screens, FaceID
• iPad Air 4 (2021) - A12X, 4GB RAM, 64GB base, 2018 iPP chassis, 10.8” non mini-LED screen, FaceID
• iPad Mini 6 (2021) - A14, 4GB RAM, 64GB base, All new slightly larger IPP-style chassis, new larger 8.5” mini-LED screen, FaceID

 

[rui no onna]

I think A13 or A14 is more likely for the Air 4 rather than the bigger A12X.

 

[Joplin]

My wild speculation looks like this:

• iPad 8 (2020) - A12, 3GB RAM, 64GB base, same chassis, same 10.2” non-laminated screen, TouchID
• iPad Pro (2020/21) - A14X, 6GB RAM, 128GB base, very slightly updated chassis, 11” & 12.9” mini-LED screens, FaceID
• iPad Air 4 (2021) - A12X, 4GB RAM, 64GB base, 2018 iPP chassis, 10.8” non mini-LED screen, FaceID
• iPad Mini 6 (2021) - A14, 4GB RAM, 64GB base, All new slightly larger IPP-style chassis, new larger 8.5” mini-LED screen, FaceID

Great post, I can tell you find speculation interesting as well

What I find unlikely in your scenario is that the iPad 8 would release in 2020, putting it almost on par with the Air for up to six months until the Air 4 would be released (say March 2021).

I also think they will reserve the X chips for the Pro models.

 

[Digitalguy]

iPad (2020) - 10.8", 3GB RAM, A12, 32GB storage

Apple can increase the base storage of iPad Air (2019) to 128GB and maintain the $499 price. The iPad Air also has a 7MP front camera which most home users don't appreciate.

Credible sources say the next iPad Air is moving to 11" with in-display fingerprint.

128GB for the Air 4 not happening, Apple will have different storage for each tier
[automerge]1595929942[/automerge]

Agree that the iPad (2020)will probably get the A12, 3GB RAM, and not much else. They have a price point to target with that device.

iPad Air (2020/21) will probably get the A12X (Maybe even Z, depending on its release date - they won’t have it on the same SoC as the Pro’s even if its for a month or two) 4GB RAM, and the iPad Pro 11” chassis (Pencil 2 and Magic Keyboard compatibility) with slightly thicker bezels to reduce the screen to 10.8”. Can’t see the Air getting the latest chip just because, again, they are going to be trying to hit a price point for it.

In-display TouchID hasn’t been thrown about much recently, gone a bit quiet there, hasn’t it? I can’t actually see them using it unless there is some larger play for use case, like there is/was for FaceID. If the iPad Air (2020/21) gets FaceID, then it won’t have in-screen TouchID. It would be a pretty unprecedented move for Apple to introduce a brand new, never before used technology in a mid-range device. Where is the economy of scale in that? If they were planning on bringing it to everything else, it would be implemented in flagship devices first and early adopters would help bear the ROI burden of that introduction.

Same with mini-LED. Rumor is that the iPad Pro could see an update on October 27th alongside the first Apple Silicon Macs. I also have a hard time seeing that unless they can release the mini-LED version at that time. It was probably the original plan, but I do wonder if they can hold that timeline after the 2020 we’re having. If (and it is a big if) they can then maybe, just maybe, we could see that coming to the iPad Air (only if it is 2021) and iPad Mini (2021) updates as well.

My wild speculation looks like this:

• iPad 8 (2020) - A12, 3GB RAM, 64GB base, same chassis, same 10.2” non-laminated screen, TouchID
• iPad Pro (2020/21) - A14X, 6GB RAM, 128GB base, very slightly updated chassis, 11” & 12.9” mini-LED screens, FaceID
• iPad Air 4 (2021) - A12X, 4GB RAM, 64GB base, 2018 iPP chassis, 10.8” non mini-LED screen, FaceID
• iPad Mini 6 (2021) - A14, 4GB RAM, 64GB base, All new slightly larger IPP-style chassis, new larger 8.5” mini-LED screen, FaceID

64GB for the base model not happening either, A12X/Z in the Air no chance, X/Z is only for the pro, it will be A14, the mini specs are very likely

 

[ejin222]

My wild speculation looks like this:

• iPad 8 (2020) - A12, 3GB RAM, 64GB base, same chassis, same 10.2” non-laminated screen, TouchID
• iPad Pro (2020/21) - A14X, 6GB RAM, 128GB base, very slightly updated chassis, 11” & 12.9” mini-LED screens, FaceID
• iPad Air 4 (2021) - A12X, 4GB RAM, 64GB base, 2018 iPP chassis, 10.8” non mini-LED screen, FaceID
• iPad Mini 6 (2021) - A14, 4GB RAM, 64GB base, All new slightly larger IPP-style chassis, new larger 8.5” mini-LED screen, FaceID

The Air and Mini have always mirrored specs. They are basically the same device minus the size difference.

 

[thimplicity]

iPad Air 4 (2021) - A12X, 4GB RAM, 64GB base, 2018 iPP chassis, 10.8” non mini-LED screen, FaceID

Sounds perfect to me, except for the year - especially if they keep the price point the same - $499
Would love to see it late 2020 though.

 

[1BadManVan]

I wouldn’t be ruling out at the A11 for the base model just yet... A11 was still a pretty good jump in performance from the A10. Much better graphics, 6 core chip and first chip to run all cores simultaneously at once for true multi tasking performance

so if they don’t attend to directly compete with the air 3 this early, the A11 is a viable choice and still a big upgrade from the a10

 

[Joplin]

I wouldn’t be ruling out at the A11 for the base model just yet... A11 was still a pretty good jump in performance from the A10. Much better graphics, 6 core chip and first chip to run all cores simultaneously at once for true multi tasking performance

so if they don’t attend to directly compete with the air 3 this early, the A11 is a viable choice and still a big upgrade from the a10

Going by the Geekbench scores the jump from A10 to A11 is much bigger than A11 to A12 indeed.

Single core:

A10 ~750
A11 ~900
A12 ~1100

Multi-core:
A10 ~1350
A11 ~2300
A12 ~2800

 

[rui no onna]

I wouldn’t be ruling out at the A11 for the base model just yet... A11 was still a pretty good jump in performance from the A10. Much better graphics, 6 core chip and first chip to run all cores simultaneously at once for true multi tasking performance

so if they don’t attend to directly compete with the air 3 this early, the A11 is a viable choice and still a big upgrade from the a10

That’s not the reason. A11 is 10nm and has a bigger die size than A12. Also, there are no other devices with A11 still being made so it would probably just cost Apple more than sticking to A12. They can always downclock to limit performance like the iPod touch A10 (running at A9-level perf).