Apple has refrained from launching any fresh iPads for an extended period, with the last ones, namely the M2 iPad Pro and the iPad 10, making their debut in October of the previous year. Speculation has been rife regarding the timing of Apple’s forthcoming iPad announcements and which specific models will be updated first. Now, 9to5Mac has gleaned information from sources indicating that there are several new iPads slated for release in the upcoming months, including the iPad mini 7 and two new iPad Air variants.
iPad mini 7 and the 11th generation iPad
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disclosed in December 2022 that Apple was diligently developing a new iPad mini, anticipated to hit the market in late 2023 or early 2024. Subsequently, this information received confirmation from the reliable leaker, ShrimpApplePro. 9to5Mac’s insider sources have divulged that Apple is indeed gearing up to introduce the iPad mini 7 in the near future, although the precise launch timing remains uncertain.
The forthcoming iPad mini 7 is expected to retain the current generation’s design but will feature a swifter processor. For context, the present iPad mini 6, launched in September 2021, is still powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor as the iPhone 13.
Apple has also been in the testing phase with an enhanced iteration of the entry-level iPad, known under the codename J126b. The 10th generation iPad made its debut last year, sporting a design reminiscent of the iPad Air and incorporating a USB-C port. It was equipped with the A14 Bionic chip. The forthcoming entry-level iPad is likely to receive upgrades primarily in terms of specifications compared to its current counterpart.
New iPad Air and M3 iPad Pro
Regarding the iPad Air, Apple may have more ambitious plans in store for its mid-range tablet. This is because sources at 9to5Mac have indicated that the company has been experimenting with two fresh iterations of the iPad Air, denoted as J507 and J508 (corresponding to Wi-Fi and cellular variants). The iPad Air 6 is anticipated to replace the iPad Air 5 and feature a new processor.
These models align with what was previously reported by Bloomberg in June. However, Apple has also been actively working on additional iPads identified as J537 and J538, which are rooted in the iPad Air. Currently, the only iPad model with multiple versions is the iPad Pro, offered in 11 and 12.9-inch variants, resulting in two models for each size.
Specific details remain somewhat elusive at this stage, but this development suggests that Apple may be contemplating the introduction of a larger iPad Air version or a more high-end model with enhanced specifications. Naturally, Apple’s plans are subject to change, and this second iteration of the new iPad Air may or may not come to fruition.
Predictably, a new generation iPad Pro housing the M3 chip is also in the pipeline, designated as J717 and J718 for the 11-inch models and J720 and J721 for the larger-sized models.
