Apple may have only recently pulled back the covers on the iPad Pro 11in (2020) and iPad Pro 12.9in (2020), but the relentless nature of technology means it’s highly likely the company is already working on the devices that will supersede them in 2021. In this article we gather together the latest rumours of what the new iPads may contain, as well as a few ideas of our own we’d like to see.
When will the iPad Pro (2021) be released?
The release schedule for iPad Pros is irregular, with Apple announcing new sizes and generations at different points in the year, as you can see from this list.
- iPad Pro 12.9 (1st Gen) – Released November 2015
- iPad Pro 9.7in – Released March 2016
- iPad Pro 10.5in – Released June 2017
- iPad Pro 12.9in (2nd Gen) – Released June 2017
- iPad Pro 11in (1st Gen) – Released November 2018
- iPad Pro 12.9in (3rd Gen) – Released November 2018
- iPad Pro 11in (2nd Gen) – Released March 2020
- iPad Pro 12.9in (4th Gen) – Released March 2020
Extrapolating from this data we would tentatively predict that the new updates to the range will appear in November 2021, but at the moment that is far from certain.
How much will the iPad Pro (2021) cost?
Well, they won’t be cheap, that’s for sure.
For the past two generations, since moving to the Face ID design, prices have begun at £969/$999 for the 12.9in models and £769/$799 for the 11in variant. Unless Apple introduces incredible new features that bump up the production costs, we’d expect (or at least hope) to see similar pricing on the new devices.
What new features will Apple include in the iPad Pro (2021)?
With the latest models only recently hitting the shelves, there’s little in the way of solid information about what the next versions will bring. But here’s the rumours that have started appearing so far, as well as a few things we’d like to see in the next generation of iPad Pro.
5G compatibility
There’s been plenty of speculation over the possibility that Apple could not only introduce 5G capabilities into the expected iPhone 12 models, but also into the next iPad Pro cellular models.
This would allow users to take advantage of the faster network data services that are now being rolled out, with speeds that can eclipse even their home broadband. As Apple seems to be positioning the iPad Pros as laptop replacements, this feature could make them a seriously powerful mobile platform.
If you’re not sure how the technology works or what it has to offer, take a look at What is 5G? for a quick run-through.
Mini-LED displays
The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max may have transitioned to OLED displays but it’s expected that Apple will employ mini-LED technology in the new iPads instead. This promises to be more energy-efficient and less expensive, and avoid the burn-in that OLED panels can suffer where the ghost of an image remains on the screen.
We’ve already seen reports of Apple planning on launching mini-LED iPad and MacBook models in 2020, so the displays in the iPad Pros 2021 could well continue that trend.
New processors
As with every new generation, the 2021 alumni will no doubt arrive sporting the latest in Apple chip technology. When the current iPad Pros were released, they surprised many by the inclusion of the A12Z processors, which was the first time we’ve seen the Z suffix. This could now be the designation given to the Pro range, so we may see the A13Z in the new models.
Whatever chips Apple chooses to use, you can be sure they will offer some of the best performance around, as we’ve seen from the blazingly fast current iPad Pros.
Under-screen Touch ID
Face ID is great, but some people prefer the tactile nature of Touch ID, plus is doesn’t require an array of special cameras to work. Up until now the inclusion of Touch ID on a device has also necessitated a physical button area for the fingerprint sensor, but as other manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei are proving you can now imbed them underneath the display.
Adopting this technology on the iPad Pros could allow Apple to further reduce the bezels, affording more display for the user with no increase in the size of the device or even the ability to reduce the chassis itself.
Folding displays
Folding displays are one of the hottest battlegrounds in tech, with companies furiously working to master this challenging area. We’ve already seen the Samsung Galaxy Fold, Microsoft Surface Neo and Huawei Mate X appear, but they’ve not been without their challenges.
Apple has been reported to have patented various bending and scrolling displays, so could it be that it is preparing to wipe away the competition once more with an iPad that can double in size by being unfolded?
We’ve already covered this area with our Foldable iPhone rumours article, in which you’ll find more details on what such a device could look like. So be sure to take a look at that if the idea intrigues you.
Okay, it’s early days and this will probably remain a pipe dream for a while yet, but we’ve been surprised before and the idea of an iPad mini that can instantly transform into an iPad Max is one that we’d be very excited to see.
At the moment, these rumours remain just that, but keep checking back regularly as we’ll continue to update this article with the latest news as it appears. In the meantime, as it looks likely the new models won’t be arriving soon, take a look at Best iPad deals to see if you can snag a bargain on the current iterations.
