Apple’s 10th-Gen iPad: All You Need to Know

Apple is working on an improved version of its low-cost iPad, which is expected to be released later in 2022. The entry-level iPad has always been bit of an afterthought, with few new capabilities added, but reports claim a major revamp is in the pipeline.

Expected Release Date

The 10th-generation iPad is scheduled to be released later this year, in September or October. Analysts believe Apple is aiming for a September debut, although in previous years, Apple has scheduled a second Mac and iPad-focused event in October, leaving the September event for iPhones and Apple Watches. Having said that, the ninth-generation iPad was released at Apple’s September 2021 event, thus September 2022 is a real possibility.

Design & Display

Several reports have suggested that the 10th-generation iPad would have significant design modifications. Without getting into details, there are “significant” design upgrades in the pipeline, and leaked renderings of the next-generation iPad have therefore provided us with some insight into what may be coming.

The forthcoming tablet might have flat sides and rounded corners, akin to the iPad mini. A power button at the top is possible, but bezels are not likely to be removed. The tablet is predicted to be 248.62mm in height, 179.50mm in width, and 6.98mm in depth, making it broader and thinner than the current model. According to rumors, the 10th-generation iPad will retain the Touch ID Home button rather than Face ID.

A single-lens back camera, as well as a front-facing camera, are predicted, and Apple may incorporate an LED flash. There is no word on whether the lens will be improved or if it will retain the same 12-megapixel rear camera as the current model. The headphone port remains on the 9th-generation iPad, but it looks like Apple will remove it on the 10th-generation device, putting it in line with other iPads.

A14 Chip & 5G

The current iPad is powered by an A13 Bionic CPU, but Apple is reported to be contemplating an update to an A14 chip, which was initially utilized in the iPhone 12 and the fourth-generation iPad Air. It will provide a slight gain in performance such as faster move to iOS capability and efficiency over the current model.

In addition, Apple has integrated 5G connection to its iPhone product portfolio as well as iPads such as the current iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models, so it stands to reason that the 10th-generation iPad will also have speedier 5G connectivity.

USB-C

Apple has been gradually updating its iPad series to use USB-C connections rather than Lightning, and now it is the iPad’s time to get an upgrade. Instead of a Lightning connector, the iPad of the 10th generation is likely going to include a USB-C port for charging, much as the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini.

In order to comply with new regulations in Europe that require devices to have a single charging port for the purpose of device interoperability, Apple is intending to upgrade its complete product portfolio for the iPhone, iPad, and AirPods to use the USB-C standard beginning in the next year.

These are all the rumors and speculations for now. Hopefully, the iPad will be released sooner rather than later.