Buzz
As fall approaches, more details about this tablet have emerged. What notable improvements and features does the iPad Gen 10 bring? Let's explore in this article.
A14 Bionic Chip
While the current iPad Gen 9 features the A13 Bionic chip, the upcoming budget iPad is rumored to boast the more powerful A14 Bionic processor. Insider sources reveal that the new Apple device, codenamed J272, will share the chip with iPhone 12 and 4.
Compared to the A13 Bionic, the A14 Bionic chip offers approximately 30% better performance. Although not a groundbreaking improvement, the use of the newer SoC will ensure longer-term software support for the iPad Gen 10.
It's unfortunate that unless Apple adds more RAM to this iPad model, it may not support Stage Manager. For those unfamiliar, this feature, introduced with iPadOS 16, enhances multitasking on the iPad by allowing users to open multiple app windows simultaneously and even use the iPad connected to an external monitor.
In the iPad Air 4 and iPhone 12, the A14 Bionic chip is only paired with 4GB of RAM. Meanwhile, the M1 chip (which Apple states is necessary to activate Stage Manager) comes with 8GB of RAM.
5G
At present, Apple has equipped 5G connectivity for many of its iPhone and iPad models. However, the mobile versions of iPad Gen 9 are still limited to LTE connectivity. But that might change this year, as per 9to5Mac sources, iPad Gen 10 is expected to have faster 5G support.
It's important to note that Apple sells different iPad versions with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular, so don't expect 5G on the standard model of the new iPad.
USB-C
One of the most anticipated changes coming to the new budget iPad is the shift from Lightning to USB-C. Currently, the iPad Gen 9 remains the only iPad model using Apple's proprietary Lightning port instead of the more modern USB-C found on Mac devices.
According to information from various sources, the upcoming iPad Gen 10 is set to ditch the Lightning connection in favor of the more modern USB-C. Having USB-C opens up a new realm of possibilities for iPad users, as this charging port supports faster transfer speeds and a wider range of peripheral devices.
Enhanced Design
As the iPad Gen 10 is projected to feature a USB-C port, analysts believe it will also sport a new, more modern design based on the iPad Air, iPad mini, and the latest . Leaked images suggest a sleeker tablet with flat edges and a thinner body compared to the previous generation.
Interestingly, the rear camera bump is shaped similarly to the and XS rather than resembling the camera on the iPad Air and iPad mini. Rendered images also indicate that this camera module comes with a single lens, and the rear microphone is vertically aligned.
Display
Despite its new design, the iPad Gen 10 might not come with a new display. Based on leaked images earlier this month, the new iPad will retain its rectangular screen with thick bezels and a Home button housing the Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
Although this may seem somewhat unusual, it's not surprising, as adding a Liquid Retina display (as Apple calls their latest end-to-end screens) to this iPad would likely increase the product's cost. However, sources from 9to5Mac suggest we can expect a slight increase in screen size from 10.2 to 10.5 inches.
Pricing and Release Date
Currently, Apple sells the 9th generation iPad for $329. However, due to inflation and the realization that many Apple products are becoming more expensive, the company may raise the price of the iPad Gen 10.
For storage capacity, this tablet is likely to continue offering users the choice of 64GB and 256GB options. It remains unclear whether Apple will introduce new colors for the 10th generation iPad beyond the current gray and silver.
Apple is expected to host at least two special events this fall: one to unveil and Apple Watch Series 8, another event to introduce new Macs and possibly the next generation iPad Pro. In previous years, Apple introduced new versions of the budget iPad during significant iPhone keynote speeches, but this year the company might unveil the iPad Gen 10 alongside .
Recent rumors suggest that Apple might delay the release of iPadOS 16 until October. Therefore, an October release for the 10th generation iPad seems quite plausible.
