Purported 2018 iPad Pro render shows edge-to-edge display, thinner design
Renders shared to Twitter on Thursday are claimed to show Apple's 2018 iPad Pro design, incorporating a near bezel-free display, reduced thickness, and retro-styled edges.
One of the new Pros should be 5.86 millimeters thick, according to images shared by well-known leak source Ben Geskin. That compares against 6.1 millimeters on the current 10.5-inch model, and 6.9 millimeters on the 12.9-inch tablet.
Another claimed design change is flat edges, akin to older Apple products like the iPhone 4. iPads have had rounded edges since 2011's iPad 2, and iPhones have sported them since 2014's iPhone 6. That may make it less likely that the renders are authentic given the shift in aesthetic, though it would be a way of setting new Pros apart cosmetically.
Apple is expected to announce its new Pros sometime this month. Multiple reports have pointed to reduced bezels, but none to flattened edges.
Other features may include a Face ID, an "A12X" processor, USB-C support, and/or a "Magnetic Connector." The last may be an update of the Smart Connector, but moved to the rear and compatible with more accessories. The Smart Connector has largely failed to take off, being supported mostly by Apple and a few third-party keyboards. Many iPad keyboards still rely on Bluetooth -- a universal standard.
If Apple does support USB-C, it may choose to replace the Lightning port, which would break compatibility with many previous iPad accessories. That could explain why Apple is rumored to be preparing a new Apple Pencil.
One of the new Pros should be 5.86 millimeters thick, according to images shared by well-known leak source Ben Geskin. That compares against 6.1 millimeters on the current 10.5-inch model, and 6.9 millimeters on the 12.9-inch tablet.
Another claimed design change is flat edges, akin to older Apple products like the iPhone 4. iPads have had rounded edges since 2011's iPad 2, and iPhones have sported them since 2014's iPhone 6. That may make it less likely that the renders are authentic given the shift in aesthetic, though it would be a way of setting new Pros apart cosmetically.
Apple is expected to announce its new Pros sometime this month. Multiple reports have pointed to reduced bezels, but none to flattened edges.
Other features may include a Face ID, an "A12X" processor, USB-C support, and/or a "Magnetic Connector." The last may be an update of the Smart Connector, but moved to the rear and compatible with more accessories. The Smart Connector has largely failed to take off, being supported mostly by Apple and a few third-party keyboards. Many iPad keyboards still rely on Bluetooth -- a universal standard.
If Apple does support USB-C, it may choose to replace the Lightning port, which would break compatibility with many previous iPad accessories. That could explain why Apple is rumored to be preparing a new Apple Pencil.
Comments
Face ID may require more thickness though.
He's probably being sarcastic, or he's sitting on it.
No kidding. I never think of my iPad Pro 10.5 as being at all prone to bending. Unlike a phone it's not something you might slip into your back pocket.
That said, would there really be any benefit in going sub 6mm? Now at some time in a distant technological future it'd be nice to have a full size iPad that weighs a half rather than one pound. But how often do you hear a user complain that the present 6.1mm feels just too thick and clunky in the hand? Yeah — never.
I also think it’s possible that Apple could develop and combination port to handle both USB-C and Lightning in the same port or have both, one on either end.
I just can’t see Apple putting two ports on the iPad, or any iOS device for that matter. It’ll likely be a lightning adapter if 4K is actually going to be supported. I’ve no doubt the iPad will get USB-C eventually as a desktop replacement, but it will probably only be after Lightning has been depreciated, replaced by a SmartConnector, and wireless charging.
I see no need for an apple watch as I can already use my phone to check the time. But once you get one, you realize that it has had an overall positive impact on your day to day activities and would not dream of going back.
I do just do not understand why someone would ever need two monitors for their desktop. Now ask anyone with two monitors to go back to one... not going to happen.
You do not hear anyone complaining because there is nothing to compare it too. Having used my original 12.9 iPad pro as my only computer for the past 3 years, I can honestly say that I am very interested in this update. Should I get one, I am very skeptical that I would be longing for the days of the older, thicker version.