Apple will debut a new entry-level iPad during the second half of 2024, according to a Taiwanese report on Apple’s upcoming product development plans.
Nikkei Asia reports that Apple is working with a key iPad assembly partner, China’s BYD, to move new product introduction (NPI) resources to Vietnam. NPI refers to when Apple works with suppliers on the design and development of new products to ensure they can be made properly in a new manufacturing plant. Apple has not moved NPI resources to Vietnam for such a core device before.
Engineering verification for test production of an iPad model will start around mid-February next year, sources told Nikkei Asia. The model will be available in the second half of next year.
BYD was also the first Apple supplier to help the U.S. tech titan shift iPad assembly for the first time to Vietnam in 2022, Nikkei reported earlier. This shift of NPI engineering resources is focused on entry-level models rather than the premium iPad Pro.
The entry-level model, likely to be an 11th-generation iPad, will then become available in the second half of 2024.
The iPad, which has a base price of $449, is Apple’s low-priced mainstream iPad, last updated in October 2022 with a complete redesign, larger display, USB-C port, A14 Bionic chip, 12-megapixel camera, and more.
Apple’s relocating iPad production to Vietnam is a part of Apple’s diversifying efforts for its supply chain to reduce its reliance on China as its major production hub. Apple is also moving production of other products to India.
