Apple’s iPads have been the subject of multiple rumors, recently. And while some industry heavyweights like Ming-Chi Kuo have previously said no iPads are expected before the end of 2023, a new report claims that not one but three iPads will be announced just hours from now. Read on for what we know, and when the release date will be.
According to a report at Supercharged, press briefings to announce an updated iPad Air, iPad mini and regular iPad, will take place as soon as Tuesday, October 17. So, how likely is this, and what does it mean, exactly?
What Kuo Said
Remember that Kuo said “New iPad models are unlikely before the year’s end.” At the time this seemed fanciful to me. Apple has refreshed its iPad range every single year for some time now. Unless, of course, Kuo meant no actual new model that we’ve never heard of before.
What Gurman Is Saying
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter commented that Apple often debuts new iPads the month after the iPhone and Watch. Gurman said, “While I reported in July that Apple was planning such a release this year, the latest indications are that it won’t happen this month.”
Hmm. Well, they can’t all be right. Gurman goes on: “A new entry-level iPad, iPad Air and iPad mini are all in development with faster chips, but I don’t believe updates of any significance are imminent.”
My take? I think Gurman may be proved right on the date, though who knows in terms of significance?
So, What’s Happening?
If Supercharged is right and there are briefings this Tuesday, then this is what we know. Before any briefings, Apple will announce the new products by press release and on apple.com/newsroom. Please check back here where I’ll cover any news.
However, I would bet that no-one who has been invited to such a briefing has been told what it’s for. So, while it’s plausible that it could be to announce new iPads, my gut feeling is it’s not.
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What Will Be Announced, And When?
According to Supercharged, there will be a new iPad Air with an M2 chip. Plus a new iPad mini, which feels right in terms of timing, and an 11th-generation iPad. What won’t be coming is the next iPad Pro. Reports point to that landing in 2024.
If Gurman is right, the announcement will be some weeks away. My guess is it could be as soon as early November, with onsale date around ten days later.
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