Dubious 2018 iPad Pro CAD image seemingly shows relocated Smart Connector
A questionable image leak supposedly showing what a refreshed iPad Pro could potentially look like depicts an odd addition to the rear of the tablet, but at the same time also uses a design aesthetic that Apple is unlikely to resurrect in its next iPad Pro generation.

The CAD illustration shared by the OnLeaks Twitter account identifies the depicted device as a 2018 iPad Pro. Rather than showing the entire device, the shared image shows the bottom edge of the tablet, complete with Lightning port and speaker vents and part of the traditional Apple logo.
There are two notable changes to the design compared to the currently-offered iPad and iPad Pro models. The main item is a circular section of the back cover close to the Lightning port that is recessed into the casing, something that has not been seen before in Apple's tablet range.
A recent report claimed the Smart Connector would be moved from its current location on the edge of the iPad Pro to a space on the "lower rear side" close to the Lightning connector. The new image seemingly suggests what this could look like, though with an oddly different shape for the connector compared to the three circular contacts in the current implementation.
Another difference to current designs is the way the casing is constructed, as the image suggests chamfered edges and possibly multiple sections sandwiched together, rather than the existing one-piece backing with curved edges. It seems unlikely that Apple would revert to a more iPhone 5-style design for the casing, especially since it would likely increase the number of parts used in construction.
As it is a shot from a CAD image shared on Twitter, it is almost impossible to tell if it is a genuine Apple design document or not. OnLeaks itself admits it can't confirm the file's accuracy, but states the image is share "for discussion purposes only" because of the odd details.
Expected to ship sometime this fall, the 2018 iPad Pro models are speculated to have a smaller footprint but retain the screen size, bringing it closer to an iPhone X with an edge-to-edge display. Touch ID would be removed in favor of Face ID and the screen notch, as well as suggestions it would also eliminate the headphone jack.

The CAD illustration shared by the OnLeaks Twitter account identifies the depicted device as a 2018 iPad Pro. Rather than showing the entire device, the shared image shows the bottom edge of the tablet, complete with Lightning port and speaker vents and part of the traditional Apple logo.
There are two notable changes to the design compared to the currently-offered iPad and iPad Pro models. The main item is a circular section of the back cover close to the Lightning port that is recessed into the casing, something that has not been seen before in Apple's tablet range.
A recent report claimed the Smart Connector would be moved from its current location on the edge of the iPad Pro to a space on the "lower rear side" close to the Lightning connector. The new image seemingly suggests what this could look like, though with an oddly different shape for the connector compared to the three circular contacts in the current implementation.
Just got my hands on a purported 2018 iPad Pro CAD showing a unknown thing located on the back of the tablet... NB: I can't confirm the accuracy of that CAD I share for discussion purposes only because of that weird and yet unexplained detail... pic.twitter.com/9R7jeLDfLV
-- Steve H. (@OnLeaks)
Another difference to current designs is the way the casing is constructed, as the image suggests chamfered edges and possibly multiple sections sandwiched together, rather than the existing one-piece backing with curved edges. It seems unlikely that Apple would revert to a more iPhone 5-style design for the casing, especially since it would likely increase the number of parts used in construction.
As it is a shot from a CAD image shared on Twitter, it is almost impossible to tell if it is a genuine Apple design document or not. OnLeaks itself admits it can't confirm the file's accuracy, but states the image is share "for discussion purposes only" because of the odd details.
Expected to ship sometime this fall, the 2018 iPad Pro models are speculated to have a smaller footprint but retain the screen size, bringing it closer to an iPhone X with an edge-to-edge display. Touch ID would be removed in favor of Face ID and the screen notch, as well as suggestions it would also eliminate the headphone jack.
Comments
This must be some sort of speed record for killing a rumour stone dead.
probably one part of Apple not having a clue what other parts are doing, not brought together by an executive group busy with other priorities.
Branding wise, I assume when someone says “Smart Connector” it is a magnetized contact pin interface. That iPad CAD image isn’t even remotely close to this, other than location. Maybe it is a fingerprint sensor, sure looks that more than a Smart Connector, who knows.
Oh wait, are you saying that pill shaped thing on the BACK of the device is supposed to be the Smart Connector? Ummm... ok. Why would it be on the back? And why would it be a single pill shaped thing rather than 3 dots? Makes NO sense.
For a CAD render, that's surprisingly imprecise. The Apple Logo isn't in line with the "Smart Connector" and the Lightning port, it looks to be over to the right side of the device, which is very not-Apple. It's also lower than it should be, based on the apparent width.
Finally, and I keep saying this, the Smart Connector doesn't make sense unless it is on an edge. It especially doesn't make sense on an iPad being anywhere other than the edge it is currently on. I really don't think Apple would move it. (Of course, I could be wrong, I have been before and will be again, but I don't get this at all.)
The only benefit I see to this is having more svelte smart cases that don’t use the Lightning port, like a battery case that feeds power through the Smart Connector, or some other function, like maybe a speaker or microphone, while not creating a big chin like a lot of the existing battery cases.
So, a rumor involving a Smart Connector located right next to the Lightning port on the back isn’t unusual. Apple sees something there. The CAD image in the OP obviously doesn’t show this, and pill shape looks like a fingerprint sensor. That location makes zero sense on an iPad and the arguments for Face ID over Touch ID on the back ring doubly true an iPad. I’d sooner believe that pill shape is a button that locks a Lightning cable in, like the one in the Apple Watch. Just weird.
The change in industrial design to flat sides like the 2010 iPad or the iPhone 5/5S is pretty interesting if true. That seems a rather remarkable change in design direction. A change to represent more PC type tasks? If true.
Buy yourself an Alienware machine. It has programmable lighting effects. I think that’s more your thing.