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It's now more than a year since Apple unveiled the iPad Pro 11in (2020) and iPad Pro 12.9in (2020) on 18 March 2020, so it's high time to start thinking about the Apple devices that will replace them in 2021.
In this article we analyse the latest rumours about the new iPad Pro models, from their release date and price to their specs and new features.
Following indications that an iPad Pro launch could be scheduled for Tuesday 13 April (although there may be 'No event' for the new iPad Pro launch) we evaluate all the rumours and other indications that give us an idea of what to expect from the new iPad Pro models, including a Bloomberg report that indicates the new iPad Pro will offer a processor that's "on par with the fastest M1 chip", more on that below.
Release date: When will the new iPad Pro come out?
We had expected a new iPad Pro to launch at an event on 23 March 2021 after multiple leakers indicated that Apple intended to hold an event on that day. However it seems that Apple was misleading the leakers and their source based on this tweet from Jon Prosser:
The event was always in April. There was literally never a March event.
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) March 18, 2021
Absolutely incredible how Apple managed to give the “March 23” date to myself, Kang (the highest rated source) and L0vetodream at almost the same time.
Huge thanks to the source helping with this 😏
While Prosser and co were anticipating a March launch date, others were more general in their predictions, simply indicating that there would be a launch in the spring.
For example, the usually reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo published an investor note indicating spring 2021 is when to expect the updated iPad Pro.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman wrote in a March 2021 report that "Apple plans to announce new iPads as early as April". Read more here: iPad Pro In April, M1-level chip and Thunderbolt: Bloomberg.
On 6 April 2021 leaker @LeaksApplePro claimed that sources indicated that the new iPad Pro will be released on Tuesday 13 April. However, rather than Apple presenting the updated tablet at a spring event, it will simply announce the new device via a press release.
Source has been quite cryptic regarding this.
— LeaksApplePro (@LeaksApplePro) April 6, 2021
“No event. iPad&MK instead. AirTags pushed”.
If it ends up being wrong I’ll accept it but looks “clear” to me. https://t.co/0FWzgxZBrL
So there may be no Apple spring event in 2021, but the launch of the new iPad Pro looks set to happen in April.
Apple certianly seems to be gearing up to launch a new iPad Pro: the latest versions of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 contain references to a mystery device - very likely the fifth-gen iPad Pro. The four models have the designations J517, J518, J522 and J523, and the evidence suggests these are four configurations of the fifth-generation iPad Pro, more here: Beta code reveals existence of new iPad models.
In addition, supply-chain sources cited by the Taiwanese outlet DigiTimes say large-volume component shipments point to a release soon. The site has repeatedly doubled down on this prediction. In February it said the device would commence production in the first or early second quarter of this year, again citing sources in the supply chain, and predicted a spring announcement. Then in early March the site reported on a separate supplier and suggested the launch would happen in a matter of weeks.
As well as the new iPad Pro the event is likely to see the launch of a new Magic Keyboard, AirTag (although the @LeaksApplePro tweet above suggests that may have been delayed) and a new Apple TV. There was a suggestion that new AirPods could also launch at the spring event, but there are rumours that they are delayed until later in the year.
When have previous iPad Pros been launched?
The release schedule for iPad Pros is unpredictable, with Apple announcing new sizes and generations at various points in the year, as you can see from this timeline:
- iPad Pro 12.9in (4th gen): Released March 2020
- iPad Pro 11in (2nd gen): March 2020
- iPad Pro 12.9in (3rd gen): November 2018
- iPad Pro 11in (1st gen): November 2018
- iPad Pro 12.9in (2nd gen): June 2017
- iPad Pro 10.5in: June 2017
- iPad Pro 9.7in: March 2016
- iPad Pro 12.9 (1st gen): November 2015
Extrapolating from this data (which suggests a roughly 18-month cycle) might point to new updates around November 2021, but we think Apple will treat the situation as rather more urgent than that. In the context of the iPad Air (2020) being so powerful and feature-rich that many wonder why you'd pay extra for a Pro, we actually think a new iPad Pro will be with us by spring 2021.
Price: How much will the new iPad Pro cost?
We expect the entry-level model of the new iPad Pro to cost roughly £750-£800 in the UK, and $750-$800 in the US.
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.
Tech specs
So much for the new features that Apple will trumpet from the virtual stage. But what about the specs under the hood?
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'd seen the Z suffix. This could now be the designation given to the Pro range, so we may see an A13Z... although the attention given to the A14 chips when the iPhone 12 came along - chips which we described as revolutionary - makes us think that an A14X might be better from a pure marketing perspective.
But it could be more than an improvement to the A14. According to a 17 March Bloomberg report, the new iPad Pro will have a processor that's "on par with the fastest M1 chip" in the M1 MacBooks and Mac mini.
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.
Thunderbolt
The Bloomberg report mentioned above report also indicates that the new iPad Pro will feature a Thunderbolt connector, just like that found on the M1 Macs. This would enable use with an external screen, hard drives and other peripherals. This would apparently be faster than the USB-C in found in the current iPad Pro models. The port will look exactly the same so all cables will be backwards compatible.
iPad Pro new features
Here are the rumours we've been seeing about new features for the iPad Pro, as well as a few things we'd like to see in the next generation but may turn out to be wishful thinking.
5G compatibility
There's been plenty of speculation over the possibility that Apple could not only introduce 5G capabilities into the 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.
However, it may not be both iPad Pro models that gain the mini-LED tech. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman Apple may only include mini-LED screen with the larger iPad Pro.
...and OLED later
Mini-LED can be viewed as a compromise between the superior local dimming of OLED and the price of LCD, and it looks like iPad fans will have to manage with this hybrid tech in 2021.
But here's a sneak peak ahead: in 2022, Korean sources say, Apple will put a Samsung-supplied OLED panel in the iPad Pro.
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 display
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 we'd be very excited to see.
Design changes
The evidence suggests that Apple's 2021 update to the iPad Pro will offer tweaks to the existing design rather than anything more radical.
It's also possible that Apple has moved the speakers, but this is less certain.
Read more here: Leaked CAD images show 'new iPad Pro models'.
Here's your first rendered look of #Apple #iPad Pro 12.9" 2021 with mystery magnetic connectors on top and bottom based on leaked CAD drawings. + 4k video + dimensions - https://t.co/1LJqfFKg6q
Thanks to my partners at @pigtou_
Follow for more content!#iOS14 #ipadpro pic.twitter.com/WIYS5FrLXS
— xleaks7 (David Kowalski) (@xleaks7) January 15, 2021
Further reading
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, take a look at our roundup of the best iPad deals to see if you can snag a bargain on the current generation.
For our thoughts on the products and services Apple will launch this year, read our guide to the new Apple products coming in 2021.
