Even Apple’s most affordable iPad supports the pencil.
Bluetooth snobs and FaceID deniers rejoice! A new report out of supply chain blog Macotakara (via 9to5mac) says Apple is prepping their 7th generation iPad, and it’s holding on to some “legacy” technology.
According to the report, supplier sources are saying that Apple’s 2019 entry model iPad will retain the headphone jack and Touch ID sensor, unlike the iPad Pro models announced last October. The report also indicates that the overall design of the updated $329 tablet will remain relatively unchanged.
The decision to stick to older technology and designs is fitting of the device, allowing it to maintain a lower starting price. In 2017, Apple dropped the price of their 9.7” tablet to just $329. In 2018, they managed to maintain that price point while adding support for the Apple Pencil, framing the product as the solution for education.
Assuming the report from Macotakara is accurate, it would appear that the 2019 update may be limited to performance and internal specs, though a conflicting report from last December claimed the 9.7-inch iPad was slated to move to a 10-inch display, thanks to reduced bezels.
A round of rumors from earlier this year suggested an updated “iPad mini 5” may also be on the way. If both are to be believed, we may actually see some fresh hardware at the rumored event at the end of the month.
The event, which is expected to focus on Apple’s subscription news and highly anticipated streaming video service, could offer the perfect platform for showing off a device(s). The entry model iPad is often regarded as a “consumption device,” used for casually watching video, reading, and surfing the web.
It’s also possible that, given the possibilities of these updates may be relatively minor spec bumps, the hardware is refreshed in Apple’s stores and announced through a press release.
The report from Macotakara didn’t offer any specifics into suspected timing of the device, simply saying suppliers are “preparing” for the launch. The timing certainly suggest a spring launch, though, after Apple registered a handful of new iPad models with the Eurasian Economic Commission Database back in January.
Only time will tell, but it seems increasingly likely that Apple is about to share some new goodies with us. For now, we’re left waiting for the official word.